With the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) declaring the start of the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) on Friday 1 October 2021.
Lithgow City Council’s Main Street Banner campaign is encouraging families, friends and neighbours to use a range of Get Ready information to prepare and start a broader conversation about being aware of and prepared for all hazards.
“Communities across the Lithgow LGA, along with so many parts of Australia, have been impacted by drought, bushfire, storm and flood, and now the Covid-19 pandemic. The impacts of these are still being felt by communities in ongoing recovery, especially from the fires,” Lithgow City Council Mayor Ray Thompson said.
Chifley/Lithgow RFS Officer Bill Robb said while enjoying the bush is part of life for many of us, so is living with the risk of bush fire. A bush or grass fire can happen any time, but the risk is higher in summer. That’s why it’s vital that we prepare our homes now and know what we’ll do when faced with fire.
Due to COVID-19, many of the Get Ready Weekend events have been moved online. However, lockdown is also an opportune time to sit down with your families to prepare a plan, prepare your properties and seek advice from your local brigade. If you already have a plan, take time to sit down and revise it together. Use your time well to prepare your home and property.
It is quick and easy to make or improve a plan that will give a person’s property, family and themselves the best chance of survival should you be threatened by a bush fire.
To take the first step in preparing for bush fire, visit myfireplan.com.au
The Bush Fire Household Assessment tool at assessmyrisk.rfs.nsw.gov.au is an easy way to assess the risk around a household.
Follow your local RFS brigade’s Facebook page for information as it becomes available. You can also visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.
The NSW RFS is reminding residents that fire permits are required and to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period.
Mayor Thompson also issued an important reminder that the quick succession of events has highlighted how important it is to be prepared for all hazards “We can’t be complacent. We know that communities that are prepared and connected are more likely to recover well after a disaster event. Being aware and prepared is everyone’s responsibility.”
Get Ready in five simple steps:
- Know your risk
Think about the area you live in and the types of disasters that could affect you. - Plan now for what you’ll do
Sit down and talk with your family and plan for what you will do if a disaster affects your area. - Get your home ready
Prepare your home by doing general home maintenance and checking your insurance. - Be aware
Find out how to prepare and what to do if there is a disaster in your area. Connect with NSW emergency services to stay informed. - Look out for each other
Share information with your family, friends, neighbors and those who may need assistance.
Lithgow City Council offers ongoing recovery services to those in the community. If in need of support, please contact Council on 6354 9999.
Bush Fire Danger Period – Commencement
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has declared that the start of the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) will commence on Friday 1 October 2021 for the following local government areas:
- Bathurst Regional Council
- Lithgow City Council
- Oberon Council
NSW RFS is reminding residents that fire permits are required during the Bush Fire Danger Period.
“From the 1st October until the end of the Bush Fire Danger Period, people wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit, which are free and can be obtained from your local fire station or Fire Control Centre. Please request your fire permit several days before you plan to light the fire to allow time for the area to be inspected and the permit to be issued,” Inspector Mick Holland said.
“Many land owners have taken advantage of the conditions during winter to prepare their properties and undertake safe burning activities. As the grass will begin to grow and cure as the weather warms up, the risk of grass fires will increase.” Inspector Holland said.
“When conditions are particularly bad, such as on days of Very High, Severe, Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger, the NSW RFS may declare a Total Fire Ban, prohibiting the lighting of any fire in the open, even if you have a fire permit.”
On a day of Total Fire Ban the lighting of fires is prohibited. This includes cooking fires using incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, such as wood or charcoal.
Gas or electric barbecues are permitted under the following conditions:
- They are on residential property within 20 metres of the house or dwelling
- They are in a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks and Wildlife Services or State Forest
- They are under the direct control of a responsible adult
- The ground around a barbecue is cleared for 2 metres of all material which could burn
- You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.
“We urge all residents in the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon area to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period,” Inspector Holland said.
“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.”
“Every resident should have a Bush Fire Survival Plan so they know what to do on days of increased fire danger and can immediately put their plan into action if their home is threatened by fire.”
For further information on how you can protect your property, or to download a Bush Fire Survival Plan, visit the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737). For information on current fires, download the NSW RFS Fires Near Me app to your phone or tablet.
