Shoalhaven’s statutory Bushfire Danger Period (BFDP) will officially start on Friday, September 1 and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging Shoalhaven residents to prepare for the fire season now.
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While October 1 is the official start of the statewide 2017/2018 bushfire season, some areas have already begun their danger period due to continuing dry conditions.
Shoalhaven RFS acting district manager Chris Palmer has urged residents to complete a Bushfire Survival Plan and ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and if their home is threatened by fire.
Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing gutters of leaves, checking hoses and, where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities.
“While it is important to continue hazard reduction we have all seen the devastation that bushfires can bring to a community, so I strongly urge people to exercise caution when carrying out these activities,” Mr Palmer 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. “With summer conditions becoming more conducive to the spread of fire, people need to be extremely careful when using fire.
“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.” During the Bushfire Danger Period any person wishing to light a fire will require a permit in the Shoalhaven local government area.
Residents must give the NSWRFS and their neighbours 24hrs notice prior to burning.
On days of total fire ban all bushfire hazard reduction certificates are automatically revoked.
To check the fire danger ratings for your area visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact your local Fire Control Centre.