The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has announced the statutory bushfire danger period for the Mid Coast district is officially over.
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Fire permits are no longer required for the Mid Coast and Port Macquarie-Hastings local government areas.
However, RFS superintendent Kam Baker says property owners will still need to exercise caution and follow guidelines regarding the use of fire.
"Residents must notify neighbouring land owners and their local fire authority at least 24 hours before burning, as well as taking appropriate action to ensure containment and control of fire so it doesn't escape and cause damage," Mr Baker said.
"Penalties still apply for failing to notify neighbours that you are lighting a fire and for allowing fires to escape.
"Even though the weather is cooling down and there has been significant rain the past weeks, there is still the potential for fires to threaten life, property and the environment."
The RFS provided the following checklist for residents wishing to conduct burning activities on their properties:
- Give fire authorities and neighbours 24 hours notice
- Check weather conditions/total fire bans
- Delay the burn if concerning winds are forecast
- Create proper fire breaks
- Have adequate water resources and firefighting equipment on hand
- Supervise the fire at all times
- Call 000 immediately if fire escapes.
Mr Baker also encouraged people to seek advice from their local RFS control centre on how to safely conduct hazard reduction activities, such as slashing, trittering and burning, as well as how best to prepare their homes for next bushfire season.
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