THE Bathurst region has only just had a spring snow prediction.
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Nonetheless, in an indication of how quickly conditions can change on the Central Tablelands, the bushfire danger period is about to officially begin.
The NSW Rural Fire Service says the statutory danger period will start this Friday, October 1 for Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon council areas and fire permits will therefore be required.
"People wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit, which are free and can be obtained from your local fire station or Fire Control Centre," Inspector Mick Holland said.
"Please request your fire permit several days before you plan to light the fire to allow time for the area to be inspected and the permit to be issued."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Inspector Holland said many land owners have taken advantage of the conditions during winter to prepare their properties and undertake safe burning activities.
"As the grass will begin to grow and cure as the weather warms up, the risk of grass fires will increase." he said.
"When conditions are particularly bad, such as on days of very high, severe, extreme or catastrophic fire danger, the NSW RFS may declare a total fire ban, prohibiting the lighting of any fire in the open, even if you have a fire permit.
"On a day of total fire ban, the lighting of fires is prohibited. This includes cooking fires using incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, such as wood or charcoal."
Inspector Holland said gas or electric barbecues are permitted under the following conditions:
- They are on residential property within 20 metres of the house or dwelling.
- They are in a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by council, National Parks and Wildlife Services or State Forest.
- They are under the direct control of a responsible adult.
- The ground around a barbecue is cleared for two metres of all material which could burn.
- There is an immediate and continuous supply of water available.
"We urge all residents in the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon area to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the bushfire danger period," Inspector Holland said.
"Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call triple-zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage.
"Every resident should have a Bushfire Survival Plan so they know what to do on days of increased fire danger and can immediately put their plan into action if their home is threatened by fire."
The NSW RFS called the last bushfire season the quietest in 10 years, but it followed the Black Summer of 2019-20.
