Berrigan shire has officially begun its bushfire danger period.
The Rural Fire Service declared that Berrigan, along with the local government areas of Albury and Greater Hume, has entered the bushfire danger period from Wednesday, November 1.
Southern border district manager, inspector John Russell, has reminded residents of Berrigan shire that during the bushfire danger period, landowners and land managers must obtain a fire permit from their local RFS brigade or fire control centre before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns.
“Never leave a fire unattended, and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so emergency services can respond and minimise the damage,” Mr Russell said.
“With the fire danger period commencing, fire permit holders are required to let fire authorities and their neighbours know at least 24 hours before lighting up.”
According to the RFS, fuel loads remain high across the southern NSW region, and residents must remain vigilant as bush and grass fires can start unexpectedly.
“While our firefighters are doing what they can, preparation is a shared responsibility and home and landowners need to prepare their properties too,” Mr Russell said.
“This means doing simple things like creating firebreaks on your property, cleaning your gutters, removing combustibles from your yard, ensuring hoses can reach all corners of your property and updating and discussing your bushfire survival plan so you know what you will do if fire threatens.”
The RDF website has Bushfire Survival Plan and Farm Fire Plan guides that contain helpful information about preparing and what to do during a fire.
Residents of Berrigan shire must notify their intention to burn by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or calling your local fire control centre.