The official Bushfire Danger Period will start from midnight this Friday, 1 September 2023 across the local government areas of the Clarence and Richmond valleys as warm, dry conditions increase the risk of fires, Clarence Nationals MP, Richie Williamson has announced.
Mr Williamson said we are bracing for what could be a challenging bushfire season coming hot on the heels of three years of high rainfall and vegetation growth.
“We are already seeing fires active across the Clarence and Richmond valleys because of hot and dry conditions, so it’s really important local communities are prepared for the bushfire season and are aware of the need to get fire permits as we enter this official Bushfire Danger Period,” Mr Williamson said.
“It is imperative that anyone intending to light a fire on the ground and in the open obtains a fire permit from their local Fire Control Centre.
“It’s also really important that everyone starts preparing their properties like taking simple steps to reduce vegetation and cleaning gutters to reduce the amount of fuel.
“It’s important to take heed of the permit requirement and property preparation to minimise danger to yourself, your property and your community.”
Mr Williamson said it is also a requirement to let the Rural Fire Service and your neighbours know 24 hours before you light up on your property.
“I want everyone to do the right thing as substantial fines and prison terms of up to 12 months may apply to persons found to be in breach of the Rural Fires Act 1997 and its regulations.
“With the fire season here, I would encourage everyone to download the ‘Hazards Near Me’ app which has a range of features to keep people informed and safe during an emergency.” https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app.
For details on acquiring a free fire permit in the Clarence or Richmond valleys, contact your local fire control centre below:
Clarence Valley
Address: 15 Coldstream St, Ulmarra Phone: 02 6644 5135
Richmond Valley
Address: 40 Neville Bienke Memorial Dr, Casino
Phone: 02 6663 0000
A Fire Permit is required for burning activities during the Bush Fire Danger Period at all times.
From 1 September, the following LGAs will begin their Bushfire Danger Period: Muswellbrook, Singleton, Kempsey, Nambucca, Mid-Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Upper Hunter, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven.
This is in addition to the six LGAs that commenced the danger period on 1 August – Armidale Regional, Walcha, Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell and Tenterfield.
Further information about hazard reduction burning, obtaining permits and required notification is available on the RFS website here - https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP.
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