Pile Burning during Bush Fire Danger Period
Published Date: 23 Aug 2019
Summary
With the introduction of the Statutory Bush Fire Danger Period on the 1st October residents of Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Local Government Area (LGA) are strongly advised to ensure that they have obtained ALL of the required approvals before undertaking any pile burning activity. As the procedures vary from one LGA to another, residents are advised to investigate the required approvals for their area.
NSW Rural Fire Service Southern Highlands Team Community Safety Officer, Inspector David Stimson said "Without the proper approvals and preparation in place residents may face significant fines. Burning without these is an illegal activity and further if inappropriate preparation have been made there is high incidence of escaped burns which can cause significant damage and also threaten life and property".
"An escaped burn running into an adjoining property and beyond can result in the property owner of the fire origin faced with considerable compensation to neighbours" Inspector Stimson said.
“Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire from spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for people who light fires and leave them unattended. History has shown that problems occur when people do not adequately supervise fires and an escaped pile burns can be very difficult for firefighters to contain Inspector Stimson said.
The NSW RFS encourages landholders to proactively reduce fuel loads, where practicable, on their property while ensuring burns are conducted safely and legally.
Each Council has its own requirements and conditions. This information can be obtained by visiting the respective Council website.
In addition residents must also obtain a 'Fire Permit' from the NSW RFS. To be issued with a 'Fire Permit' residents should check with their local RFS Brigade Captain to arrange an inspection before the Permit can be issued. This may take a few days to arrange. If you are not able to contact the Brigade Captain enquiries should be directed to the NSW RFS Mittagong or Picton office on 4868 5500 or 4677 7000 respectively (business hours only)
Further information can be view here
