The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has declared that a number of areas across the State, including the south west region of Sydney begin their bushfire season a month early from today, September 1.
“We have had a warmer and drier than usual winter and weather experts are predicting more of the same, this can have a major impact on the local environment,” said the member for Menai, Melanie Gibbons, in announcing details of the start of the bushfire season.
“It is important that local residents are aware of the impact and take on board the advice for the RFS,” Ms Gibbons said.
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised the recent rain will only provide a temporary reprieve to the prevailing dry conditions across the State.
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the weather outlook through to November indicates drier than average conditions across central and southern NSW and warmer than normal temperatures for all but the northwest areas of the State.
“Whilst the recent heavy rain across the State has provided firefighters with a welcome reprieve from fighting bush fires, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting below average rainfall for September,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“In fact, despite the downpours which have occurred during the past fortnight, a large area of NSW has still only received 60 per cent or less of average rainfall since January 1.
“The Bureau of Meteorology also advises an El Nino event may influence the bush fire season, producing hotter and drier conditions.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons warned the community against allowing the recent rain to make them complacent to bush fire danger.
“Let’s not forget that at the beginning of August, volunteers were fighting more than 90 fires simultaneously, including those which destroyed five homes in the Clarence Valley and Kempsey,” he said.
“All it will take is a few weeks of warm weather and we will again be contending with dry landscapes.”
During the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP), landowners and managers must obtain a free permit from their local NSW RFS Fire Control Centre before conducting hazard reduction burns.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said anyone planning to conduct a private burn should contact their local Fire Control Centre first, as permits may be suspended at short notice due to weather conditions.
“People should also be preparing their properties, which means clearing gutters, maintaining gardens and checking equipment such as hoses, pumps and generators.”
“It’s time to get your Bush Fire Survival Plan in order. Go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, download the MyFirePlan smart phone app or talk to the RFS on their September 13 open day,” Ms Gibbons said.
