MEDIA RELEASE
Rural Fire Service declares start of Bush Fire Danger Period in the Shoalhaven
31st of August 2021
The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) begins in the Shoalhaven on Wednesday the 1st of September 2021 and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging residents to prepare now.
The NSW RFS today announced 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) will commence the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) on the 1st of September 2021, ahead of the commencement of the statewide statutory BFDP on 1 October.
NSW RFS Inspector Jonathon Hill is urging residents in the Shoalhaven to make and discuss their bush fire survival plan.
“While an early fire season is not unusual for us in the Shoalhaven, increased grass growth due to recent rain could prove problematic over coming weeks and months”
“Having a bush fire survival plan will ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and what to do if their home is threatened by fire” Inspector Hill said.
Inspector Hill said “with summer conditions in the Shoalhaven becoming more conducive to the spread of fire, people need to be extremely careful when using fire”.
“Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters, checking hoses are serviceable and can reach all corners of your property and where appropriate conducting hazard reduction activities in accordance with their approved Fire Permit”.
“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” Inspector Hill said.
Fire Permit holders are required to notify the Rural Fire Service and their adjoining neighbours 24 hours before lighting up. You can notify of your intention to burn by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or by calling your local Fire Control Centre on 02 4424 4424.
Helpful information about preparing properties and what to do in the event of a fire are available in the Bush Fire Survival Plan and Farm Fire Plan guides available on the NSW RFS website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au).
For more information contact the Shoalhaven Fire Control on 02 4424 4424 For current incidents or major fire updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au