Bushfire season in the Illawarra will start in just over a week – that’s a month earlier than usual.
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While the 2018-19 bushfire season officially begins on October 1 under legislation, the Rural Fire Service has decided to bring the season in the Illawarra forward to Saturday, September 1.
This follows on from other regions in the state where the bushfire season started on August 1.
NSW RFS Superintendent Greg Wardle said the weekend’s expected rain would not be enough to reduce the danger posed by the dry conditions.
He said residents should look to get their homes in order ahead of “a long and protracted fire season”.
“Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters, checking hoses can reach all around the house and where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities,” Superintendent Wardle said.
“While it is important to continue hazard reduction we have all seen the devastation that bushfires can bring to a community, so I strongly urge people to exercise caution when carrying out these activities.”
“Residents can ask their local Fire Control Centre for assistance in carrying out safe hazard reductions and for advice about whether they need a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate.”
He said the Bushfire Danger Period starting on September 1 meant anyone wishing to light a fire after that date would need a permit, which was free to obtain from the Local Fire Centre.
On days of Total Fire Ban all fire permits are automatically revoked.
For more information visit the Rural Fire Service at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Meanwhile, there will be a hazard reduction burn carried out on Friday morning at Darkes Forest to provide protection for the MET School in the area.
The burn will be between the M1 Princes Motorway and the Princes Highway and is expected to be finished by 1pm on Friday.
“Traffic will be controlled by Roads and Maritime Services on the M1 Princes Motorway and speed reduced accordingly,” Superintendent Wardle said.
“Motorists in the area are urged to slow down and take care if driving through smoke, keep windows up and turn their headlights on.”
Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
