Bushfire period usually commences on October 1 each year and runs until March 31, however, very dry, drought conditions mean it will now start on September 1 across the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon local government areas.

With the commencement of the bushfire danger period (BFDP), all landowners and residents will require a fire permit, as well as continuing to notify their immediate neighbours and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) a minimum of 24 hours prior to commencing any burning activities.

RFS  Chifley/Lithgow Team Superintendent Greg Sim said the early commencement of the BFDP was as a result of the dryer then normal conditions being experienced through the region.

Superintendent Sim said the decision was made in consolation with senior volunteers and the Bushfire Management Committee.

“This decision was made with consideration of risk to the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon communities from bushfires,” he said.

“Now is the time all residents should complete a Bushfire Survival Plan.

“Plans are available from their local fire control centre and report all unattended fires to triple-0 immediately.

Fire permits are available by phoning 1300 258 737 or by attending your local fire control centre.

For more information on bushfire danger period or Bushfire Survival Plans visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

IT may still be winter, but dozens of fires are already burning across NSW, including one that was just upgraded to an emergency warning on the south coast.

The fire is burning in the vicinity of Croobyar Road in the Shoalhaven local government area.

“Residents are advised to seek shelter in a solid structure as the fire approaches. It is too late to leave,” the NSW RFS alert stated.

“Resident in the town of Burrill Lake, Kings Point and south of Ulladulla who are not prepared should head north into Ulladulla.”