The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging Nambucca Shire residents to take extreme care when conducting burning activities due to current and forecast unseasonable weather conditions.
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Lachlann Ison, Zone Manager for Lower North Coast, said the strong winds and warm temperatures predicted for today were particularly concerning with the area being so dry.
“While there is not a total fire ban, we are asking people to be extremely careful during the current hot, dry period, particularly on the windier days,” Superintendent Ison said.
“The main message is that we want people to limit burning off during this period wherever possible as we are expecting a period of very high fire danger over the next few days.”
He said there was currently a fire up on the Bellbucca Rd, which straddles the boundary between the Nambucca and Bellingen Shires.
“That will need some attention over the next few days and with these westerly winds, residents will see a bit of smoke.”
Since the beginning of August, he said the RFS had attended four escaped hazard reduction burns, including the Boggy Creek fire on August 8, which burnt five hectares.
“There were also three smaller fires over the weekend at Eungai Creek, Argents Hill and Kennaicle Creek.
“From a legal perspective, we remind people it is an offence to let fire escape your property.”
He said with the dry conditions, no crews from the area had been sent over the Canada to help with wild fires there.
“We are drying out ourselves, so it is a question of priorities – step one is to care for local issues before sending people overseas.”
The RFS reminds residents that when undertaking burning activities, landholders need to notify neighbours 24 hours before lighting a fire, and phone the RFS burn notification line on 02 6653 1097.
People are advised to have a completed and practiced Bush Fire Survival Plan, in order to protect their family and property should they be threatened by fire.
“Everyone should be using this time to prepare their property, which includes clearing gutters and removing combustible fuel from around homes,” NSW RFS Superintendent Sean McArdle said.
“All households should have a well-practiced Bush Fire Survival Plan so residents know what to do, particularly on days of increased fire danger, because there is no room for complacency when it comes to bush fire safety.”