NSW: Bushfire season ushered in two months early

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2004
NSW: Bushfire season ushered in two months early

By Tamara McLean

SYDNEY, Aug 1 AAP - Dangerously dry weather conditions have forced fire services to
kick off the NSW bushfire danger season today, two months earlier than usual.

Officially declaring the season open in Sydney, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) commissioner
Phil Koperberg said fire permits are now required in 52 local government areas.

"The bush fire danger period has been declared two months early due to the current
prolonged dry conditions," Mr Koperberg said today.

"With the lack of rain over much of the state in recent months the amount of moisture
in the soil and fuel has declined significantly, increasing the risk of fire."

The launch comes just two weeks after a large bushfire burned out of control, covering
hundreds of hectares and forcing evacuations near Tweed Heads on the state's north coast.

Mr Koperberg urged landowners and managers to take care when doing hazard reduction work.

"Many recent fires RFS volunteers have attended were burnoffs that got out of control
in dry, windy conditions," the commissioner said.

Permits are required east of the Great Dividing Range and in metropolitan Sydney, Wollongong
and Newcastle areas.

Failure to obtain a fire permit will result in fines up to $5,500, with prison terms
a possibility.

Local RFS centres could offer advice on safe burning, approvals and permits, he said.

Householders should delay burning if high winds are forecast, and be sure to have adequate
water on hand, a fulltime fire supervisor and proper fire breaks.

AAP tam/was/de

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRE NIGHTLEAD

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