News

Fire permits return for southern NSW

By Jamie Salter

Oct 31, 2021

Warmer weather: As of November 1, fire permits are required for the NSW Southern Border. Photo by Contributed

Fire permits are now required, with the NSW Southern Border easing into the Bushfire Danger Period.

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The new rules came into effect on November 1 and landowners are reminded not be complacent as recent rainfall has increased fuel loads, especially in grassland environments.

The NSW Rural Fire Service requires landowners to apply for fire permits for the remainder of the Bushfire Danger Period, ending on Thursday, March 31.

Permits outline conditions for landowners to safely conduct grass and stubble burning and ways for landowners to prevent accidental fire escape.

Tocumwal RFS group officer Mark MacCullagh said senior volunteers were anxious about the risk of escaped fires this season.

“It’s pretty simple, if you don’t think you can keep the fire controlled and within your property boundaries, don’t light the fire,” Mr MacCullagh said.

RFS Southern Border team manager Sandra Huer said fire permits would only be approved during low-risk weather periods.

During periods of high fire danger, permits are unlikely to be approved.

Fines apply to landowners lighting fires who do not have a permit and do not notify the Rural Fire Service 24 hours prior.

All permit applications are to be made by visiting: https://www.bit.ly/sbtpermits

Burn notifications must be submitted 24 hours in advance by the permit holder at: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP/burn-notifications

By Jamie Salter

Journalist