by Mike Berry for the Dunoon and District Gazette

NSW Premier’s citation

On Wednesday 18 November, members of Dunoon RFS were presented with the NSW Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation for their contribution and service to the 2019-2020 Bushfire emergency response by Zone Manager Superintendent Michael Brett.

Mr Brett commended the members of the brigade for their ongoing commitment to the RFS and the protection of the community. There is no doubt this was a particularly difficult time, with major fires impacting the entire east coast of Australia from August 2019 through to February 2020. Over this time members of the brigade were out fighting various blazes across the Far North Coast, as well as five-day deployment rotations to the Hunter/ Tamworth and South Coast regions. Many of these days saw the brigade leave our station in the early morning and not return until late at night.

Members presented with citations were Barry Watts, Aline Feebrey, Colleen Oates, Ian Juleff, Ian Brayshaw, Paul Cox, Karl Hearn, Kari Derrick, Phoebe Colbrelli-Cox, Tarn Jungham and Mike Berry.

2021/ 2021 fire season

The early indications were that we could expect a wetter than average spring and summer but so far the rain has mostly stayed away. As the weather warms up the landscape continues to dry out and with that comes increased fire exposure.

Already our northern region has had two Total Fire Ban days (TOBAN) declared and it is not yet summer. (Ed: Mike was writing in November 2020.)

It is important for al residents to prepare their properties now for the potential of fire and if you don’t already have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, establish on with your family. There is a lot of information available on the NSW RFS website that will assist you to prepare your property and determine your survival plan. Don’t leave it until a fire is on your door step, as then it will be too late.

Bush fire danger period (permits required)

The Bush Fire Danger period generally runs from 1 September each year to 31 March, however these dates can vary from region to region depending on conditions.

During the Bush Fire Danger period you cannot light a fire in the open without first obtaining a permit.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. While a permit may be issued it remains your responsibility to manage any fire light, keeping in mind that on all days of Very High Fire Danger or above all permits are suspended.

During a Total Fire Ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire. General purpose hot works (such as welding, grinding or gas cutting or any activity that produces a spark or flame) are not to be done in the open.

The NSW RFS strongly recommends you reconsider activities sich as using a tractor or slashing, to help reduce the chance of a fire starting on your property.

This article appeared in the Dunoon and District Gazette, December 2020 – January 2021.