OON 0908:OON 0608.qxd.qxd - Wollombi Valley Online

Laguna Bush Fire Brigade
Community news for Wollombi and surrounding districts
Issue 302 - Our Own News - September 2008
COMMENCEMENT OF BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD
1 SEPTEMBER 2008
As you will see from the associated notice below, the Local
Bush Fire Danger Period will commence on 1 September. Any
lighting of fire in the open will require the issue of a Fire Permit
which is obtained in this area from NSW Rural Fire Service.
Permits are free of cost and may issued for a maximum 21days
(if weather permits). Penalties do apply for non-compliance or
illegal fires. For further information please contact 4991 1733
during business hours or website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
The Permit Issuing Officer for the Laguna bushfire district is
Trevor Winn, who can be contacted on (02) 4998 8381. Permits
become valid 24 hours after the signed (by the applicant) form
has been submitted to the Fire Control Centre to be entered
into "the system”. This is normally accomplished by fax and will
only be processed during office hours. A moment's cogitation
will reveal that if the applicant wishes to "light that fire" on a
weekend, the signed permit to do so will need to be submitted
on a Thursday at the latest. This places weekenders at
something of a disadvantage as they will need to plan well
ahead. Also bear in mind that I do not issue fire permits for
Wollombi, Millfield or Bucketty fire districts. The contact details
for Permit Issuing Officers for these districts can be obtained
from Cessnock Fire Control Centre on (02) 4991 1733 and is
listed on the next page.
Trevor Winn, Senior Deputy Captain, Laguna Brigade
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
MEDIA RELEASES 4th August 2008
FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED FROM 1st September 2008
Fire Permits will be required from Monday 1st September in the
Council areas of Cessnock and Maitland Council Areas with the
start of the Bush Fire Danger Period, the NSW Rural Fire
Service (RFS) announced today.
The local statutory Bush Fire Danger Period is from 1st
September to 31st March and requires people who want to
light open fires to obtain a free Fire Permit.
“The generally dry conditions and higher temperatures as we
get closer to summer increases the risk of open fires getting
out of control,” RFS Hunter Zone, Zone Manger Jayson
McKellar said.
With the current dry and windy condition the brigades are
experiencing an increase in the number of calls. These calls are a
result of fires escaping from control burns.
“Fire Permits will help us deal with these conditions as they
enable fire authorities to regulate use of fire. We can apply
conditions to encourage safer burning and the permit ensures
fire authorities are aware of exactly where and when fire is
being used.”
Fire Permits are free and are available through the RFS through
the Hunter Zone Office on 49 911 733 during Business hours
and NSW Fire Brigades Stations.
A complete list of where Fire Permits are required is available
on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. A range of
information to help people prepare their homes and families for
bushfire is available on the website.
The start of the Bush Fire Danger Period does not prohibit
burning completely, and landholders are encouraged to do
hazard reduction safely by applying for a Fire Permit.
If you want to do hazard reduction burning and think you might
need an environmental approval for the work, the RFS provides
a free hazard reduction environmental assessment service. Ask
about a Bushfire Hazard Reduction Certificate.
If you do wish to burn ask the RFS for advice, fire permits and
approvals:
give fire authorities and neighbours 24 hours notice
check weather conditions/Total Fire Bans
delay the burn if concerning winds are forecast
create proper fire breaks
have adequate water resources on hand
supervise the fire at all times
Call triple zero (000) immediately if fire escapes.
PREPARE FOR BUSHFIRE ALL YEAR ROUND
Lower Hunter Team
Eighty-six homes were destroyed by bushfire in NSW during
the 2002-2003 fire season. One hundred and nine were
destroyed in 2001-2002.
“Hundreds more homes faced the threat of bushfire. Many
survived while their neighbours burnt down,” said Inspector
Glenn Byrnes Lower Hunter Team.
“Those properties survived not only because firefighters could
provide protection, but also because they were properly
prepared and defended by able-bodied homeowners.”
“The NSW Rural Fire Service can help you increase the chance
of your property surviving bushfire by helping you prepare. Call
your local RFS Fire Control Centre or Rural Fire Brigade for
advice.”
“By preparing property well before the bushfire season and
making decisions about whether to stay with it when fire
approaches, you can decrease the risk of your home
catching fire or if your property is not properly prepared
you should make the decision to leave early. The NSW
Rural Fire Service can assist with a Bush fire Action Plan .”
said Inspector Byrnes.
“Ember attack is the most common cause of homes catching
fire. Hot embers can fly several kilometres in front of a fire
fronts and last for a number of hours afterwards.”
The NSW Rural Fire Services advises:
Prepare your house NOW
Prepare your family, pets and possessions NOW
Decide whether to stay or go NOW
Know what to do when fire approaches
Know who can help you if your property is damaged or
destroyed.
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