RFS acting district manager, Jesse White says residents should make and discuss their bush fire survival plan with everyone in their households.
“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,” Mr White said.
“While the RFS is doing everything it can to mitigate the risk of fire, preparation is a shared responsibility and property owners need to do their part too.
“Worryingly, recent research tells us only half of residents living in bush fire prone areas have undertaken any preparatory work on their properties.”
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.
The local Fire Control Centre can assist with carrying out safe hazard reductions and with advice about whether or not a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate is needed.
During the BFDP, landowners and managers are required to obtain a Fire Permit from their local Fire Control Centre before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns.
On days of Total Fire Ban all Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificates are automatically revoked.
Information about hazard reduction burning and required notifications is available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP.
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