A Rural Fire Service online portal gives NSW residents the ability to notify fire services quickly and easily when they are planning to use fire on their property.
Using their mobile phone, tablet or computer, residents and landholders can lodge their notification of a planned hazard reduction or burn-off 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the RFS portal.
RFS Superintendent Andrew Gray said that by notifying their neighbours and using the online tool, users could help prevent unnecessary emergency calls.
“Over coming months, many landholders may take the opportunity to burn off — but they are responsible for ensuring it is done safely and letting us and their neighbours know,” Mr Gray said.
“While we are not currently in the official bushfire danger period, landholders still need to make sure they have obtained any required permits and permissions, as well as notifying neighbours and fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up.
“If fire services know about a planned burn, it can help prevent unnecessary responses from local firefighters when we know it is planned and controlled.”
By using the online notification tool, landholders will also be notified of any total fire bans or restrictions and if so, will be advised to not proceed with their burn.
Garry Grant from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee said while landholders were encouraged to reduce fuel loads on their property, it was vital that it was done safely and legally.
“Before lighting any fire, you need to have adequately prepared fire breaks and have firefighting equipment on hand to ensure the fire does not escape,” Mr Grant said.
“Don’t forget there are also a number of effective alternatives to burning, such as hand clearing, mowing, or slashing.
“Every landholder has a legal responsibility to prevent fire spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences if people light fires and leave them unattended.”
To notify of your intent to burn off, use the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify
Landholders can still notify the NSW RFS by contacting their local Fire Control Centre.
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