Fires
Latest information
It is the official start of the bush fire season, with the Bush Fire Danger Period currently in place for the Edward River Council area. If you're planning on conducting a burn on your property, you'll require a fire permit from the local Fire Control Centre or RFS Brigade. Fire permits help ensure fire is used safely and minimise the danger to you, your property and the community.
General information - be prepared!
Bush fires are a part of life in New South Wales. So you need to stay bush fire ready. That means knowing your risk and having a plan prepared.
We collaborate with emergency services for community safety. Our Local Emergency Management Officer coordinates with agencies like NSW Police, Fire and Rescue, and State Emergency Services.
The below agencies provide useful information to help you stay informed in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Create a household emergency plan
Living in New South Wales means being prepared for bushfires. Understand your risk and have a plan. Create a quick plan online at My Fire Plan in just five minutes.
4 Steps to Bushfire Readiness:
- Discuss fire response with your household, best done over dinner when everyone's focused.
- Ready your home for bushfire season by simple measures like clearing areas and cutting grass.
- Monitor bushfire alert levels via NSW RFS website or 'Fires Near Me' app to know what actions to take.
- Save essential bushfire info contacts, websites, and apps to stay informed during fires.
Emergencies are unpredictable and can strike at anytime. Understanding local risks is crucial. In case of emergency, emergency services may have limited resources. Therefore having a self-reliant plan is essential.
Examples of household emergency plans can be found at:
It is important to plan for various scenarios and evacuation routes as a fire can be unpredictable. Always follow directions from Emergency Service Organisations.
Reduce the risk to your home
Know the risk
Living in New South Wales means living with the constant risk of bush and grass fires, especially during dry, warm months.
Risk extends beyond bush proximity; even homes a few streets away can be threatened. Stay updated with Edward River Council to assess your risk.
Fire Behaviour:
- Fire speed increased with slope; a 10-degree slope can double its speed, making it more intense and dangerous.
- Fine fuels like twigs, branches, and leaves burn easily, and burning embers can be wind-carried.
- Hot, dry, and windy weather intensifies fires, making them unpredictable and prone to change direction due to strong winds.
Preparation Tips
A well-prepared home increases its chances of surviving a bush fire and ember attack. It's also easier to defend for you or firefighters and reduces to risk to neighbouring homes. There are simple steps you can take to reduce hazards.
- Clean out gutters and downpipes
- Trim overhead trees and branches
- Secure or put away loose items
- Check the roof is in good repair
- Do a home safety audit and check your smoke alarms are working
- Make sure your home and contents insurance is up to date
- Have a fire fighting and evacuation plan
- Act on your plan
During an emergency it is vital to stay calm and follow directions given to you by the Emergency Services. Assess your risk with the Bush Fire Household Assessment Tool.
Fire Danger Ratings
Fire Danger Ratings indicate potential fire consequences. Higher ratings mean more perilous conditions. Use them as cues in your survival plan, like evacuating on Extreme or Catastrophic danger days.
Fire danger ratings are used on days when you need to take action. On days of minimal risk, 'No Rating' will be issued.
Visit NSW Rural Fire Service Fire Danger Ratings to learn more.
Alert Levels
Alert Levels gauge fire threat during a bush fire. Don't wait for warnings; certain firs spread rapidly without notice. Always heed a Bush Fire Alert to avoid potential or fatality to yourself and family.
These are the three levels of Bush Fire Alerts:
Advice - A fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
Watch & Act - There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
Emergency Warning - An Emergency Warning is the highest level of Bush Fire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.