As of Thursday anyone who wants to light a fire in the open will require a fire permit.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The bushfire danger period for 2020/21 will begin in the Dubbo Regional and Narromine Shire Council areas on October 1.
Orana Rural Fire Service (RFS) district officer Bronwyn Waters said during the bushfire danger period a fire permit would be required for anyone who wants to wants to light a fire in the open, including hazard reduction burns.
"[This] helps to ensure fire is used safely, minimising the danger to you, your property, your neighbours and the community," she said.
READ ALSO:
Officer Waters said there had been a lot of growth in recent months, warning residents about the impacts of dried vegetation.
"The taller and drier the grass, the quicker the fire will move and more intensely it will burn," she said.
"A grass fire can cut roads and threaten property with very little warning."
In the lead up to the warmer season people should look at any vegetation around properties and make sure they clean their gutters to prepare for fires, which can strike at a moments notice.
"Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters, checking hoses can reach all around the house and where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities," officer Waters said.
"Residents can ask their local fire control centre for assistance in carrying out safe hazard reductions and for advice about whether they need a bushfire hazard reduction certificate."
Having a bushfire survival plan is the best way to ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger, and what to do if their home is threatened by fire, according to officer Waters.
"Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call triple zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage," officer Waters said
Permits are free and can be obtained from the local permit issuing officer or the Orana fire control centre.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.