Over the past three weeks eight grassland fires have started across the Monaro due to out of control hazard reduction burns.
OUT of control hazard reduction burns have resulted in eight grassland fires in the past three weeks in the Monaro RFS area, leaving NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighters to extinguish the fast moving fires.
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Fire Mitigation Officer, Fred Nichols is advising landholders and managers to ensure they are well prepared before burning off on their property.
“Following a lot of heavy rain in the area we are faced with high fuel loads that present a very real fire risk when hazard reduction burns are not conducted safely,” Mr Nichols said.
“The Service encourages landholders to be proactive in reducing fuel loads on their property, but more importantly we want people to conduct hazard reduction burns safely and legally.
“For hazard reduction burning to be safe and effective, residents need to take weather conditions and forecasts into consideration.
“Remember to notify your neighbours and local fire authority 24 hours before starting a hazard reduction burn.
“The NSW RFS are happy to help people plan and conduct safe hazard reduction burns ensuring the safety of both landowners’ property and the broader community.
“Members can also provide advice on fire permits, hazard reduction certificates, environmental approvals and weather forecasts.
“Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire spreading to other properties and there can be serious consequences for the person who started the fire.
“The first priority should always be safety, so never conduct a burn if conditions are not suitable. There are alternatives to burning including hand clearing, mowing, or slashing areas around key assets on the property,” Fred said.
For more information contact Bombala Fire Control Centre
on 6458 3933 or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
