TINDER dry conditions in southern NSW have prompted the traditional bush fire danger period to be brought forward by a month.
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The Southern Boarder Team will begin the season on Monday, October 1.
NSW RFS Superintendent Pat Westwood is urging residents to make and discuss their bush fire survival plan.
“This is to ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger,” he said.
“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,” he said.
Superintendent Pat Westwood said with warm and windy conditions becoming more conducive to the spread of fire, people need to be extremely careful when using fire and need to be aware that if they are planning on burning timber, that it must be extinguished by 1 October and then monitored as to prevent any flare ups.
“Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage,” Superintendent Pat Westwood said.
Resident must be aware that if they light a fire, they are responsible for that fire.
“During the Bush Fire Danger Period any person wishing to light a fire will require a permit, free to obtain from the NSW RFS.
Meanwhile, there were two accidents on the Hume Highway which resulted in fires on Tuesday evening.
The Holbrook accident prompted a response with crews travelling from as far away as Holbrook.
A total of 19 trucks and 42 personnel respond to the incidents, FRNSW, Police, RMS and Ambulance also responded.
In an update on Wednesday morning the RFS reported that crews were still on the scene.
The Facebook post stated: Firefighters remain on scene at a truck fire on the Hume Hwy near Little Billabong, north of Holbrook. There is expected to be traffic control measures around the scene for the next few hours as the burnt material and truck are cleared from the roadway.
On days of Total Fire Ban all fire permits are automatically revoked. To check the Fire Danger Ratings for your area visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact your local Fire Control Centre.