The RFS announced last Wednesday that Albury City, Greater Hume, Federation and Berrigan Local Government Areas (LGAs) will start the BFDP behind the commencement of the statewide statutory BFDP on October 1.
RFS Acting District Manager Jesse White is urging residents in Southern Border District to make and discuss their bushfire survival plan.
“Having a bushfire 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.
Acting District Manager Jesse 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 bushfire prone areas have undertaken any preparatory work on their properties,” Acting District Manager White 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,” Acting District Manager White said.
“You can ask your local Fire Control Centre for assistance in carrying out safe hazard reductions and for advice about whether they need a bushfire Hazard Reduction Certificate.”
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 Bushfire 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.