STEP outside and breathe in the air - welcome to burn off season.
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In what the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Education Officer Inspector Darrin Briggs describes as ‘ideal conditions’ for hazard reductions, people are lighting up and burning off on properties.
“We probably have around two or three callouts during the day, given the warm weather,” Inspector Briggs said.
“We’ve had more callouts recently than over summer which was pretty wet.”
With temperatures during the day still reaching more than 20 degrees, he said conditions are dry but still pretty green.
The Rural Fire Service has been conducting its own hazard reductions, including a large reduction at Nerong last week which will remain burning for some time, and one on Sunday at Darawank across almost 86 hectares which was attended by Nabiac, Tuncurry, Firefly and Tinonee crews.
“That one was very slow in burning, it was hard to get a hold in some places and Tuncurry crews cleaned up a couple more areas in the days after.”
“Hazard reduction is a vital element in helping to reduce the intensity of bush fires. This controlled burn will help protect properties and assets in the Darawank, Blackhead area and also assist firefighters to control any future bush fires.”
Further controlled burns in the Smiths Lake, North Arm Cove area are planned in the near future.
Inspector Briggs encouraged landholders to be proactive in reducing fuel loads on properties but urged them to follow appropriate procedures which include notifying the RFS and neighbours at least 24hrs prior to burning off, never leaving a fire unattended and taking into account weather conditions.
“The NSW RFS has a number of publications available through local brigades or Fire Control Centres which can assist landowners in planning and carrying out fire related activities safely,” Inspector Briggs said.