Unsafe burns could be deadly, and costly

Mid Murray Rural Fire Service Operational Officer Jodie Graham said fire investigators will actively follow up incidents and target those doing the wrong thing.

“Lighting up without a fire permit during the Bush Fire Danger Period and without providing proper notifications, and carelessly allowing burns to escape, poses a very real and potentially deadly risk to your community if that escaped burn takes hold,” she said.

“Residents and landholders are reminded of fire permit requirements and the need to notify fire agencies before lighting hazard reductions and pile burns or face the penalties.

“The RFS now has an easy-to-use online portal allowing residents the ability to obtain fire permits and quickly and easily notify fire services when they are planning to use fire on their property.

“Using a mobile phone or computer, you can lodge your notification of a planned hazard reduction or burn off 24 hours a day, seven days a week via this portal.”

Landholders who fail to follow fire permit requirements and notify firefighters and neighbours face fines of up to $5,500 and/or 12 months jail, while escaped fires attract penalties of up to $110,000 and/or five years prison.

“We encourage landholders doing what they can to prepare their property, however they must do it safely and let us and their neighbours know.”

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.

Operational Officer Graham encourages landholders to take the time now to prepare their properties, but do it in a way that is safe, legal and protects their local community.

“Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for people who light fires and leave them unattended,” she said.

“Escaped burns can not only have a significant impact on your livelihood but could destroy neighbouring properties and the lives of those in your community.

“Don’t create that risk – do the right thing. Prepare, notify and burn safely.”

To notify of your intent to burn off, use the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify.

Landholders can also still notify the RFS by contacting their local Fire Control Centre.

More information on fire permits and safe burning can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/safeburning.