Mike Berry, Dunoon and District Gazette

The start to the 2022/2023 fire danger period came into effect in our area from 1 September 2022. That means if you are planning to light a fire in the open you will need a Fire Permit.

Permits are free and can be obtained by contacting a permit officer from your local brigade. Details of permit officers in our local area can be found in the back pages of the Gazette.

Substantial fines or even prison terms of up to 12 months may apply to persons found to be in breach of The NSW Rural Fires Act 1997 and its regulations.

Civil law suits can also be brought against persons responsible for fire, by those seeking compensation, for losses sustained.

For more information about fines and penalties, or assistance regarding whether you need a fire permit or not, contact your local NSW RFS Fire Control Centre on 6663 0000.

Whilst conditions at this time may not present a high fire danger in our local area, that can change over a relatively short period.

With wet conditions over the past few years there has been significant growth, particularly of grasses which can quickly dry and cure if we have a burst of hot and particularly windy conditions, increasing the risk of fire.

Although the surface may dry the ground below remains quite wet, presenting dangers for fire trucks that may need to enter paddocks to extinguish fires. As always, remain vigilant to changing conditions and remove or reduce hazards wherever possible.

The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System that came into effect on 1 September 2022 has been developed using the latest science to be more accurate and relevant to where you live.

The new system will be used across the country, so whether you’re at home or traveling, you will see the same system being used.

The new Fire Danger Rating has four levels instead of six – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic. There are actions for each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property.

You can find information and check the daily fire danger rating on the RFS website, in the Fires Near Me NSW smartphone app, or look out for the roadside signs.

A few months ago members of Dunoon RFS who were involved for extended periods in the 2019/2020 fire season were presented with a National Medal in recognition of their efforts.

One medal was posthumously awarded to Dunoon member Aline Feebrey who regretfully passed away in 21 December. It was a sad but also proud day when we recently presented this medal to Aline’s husband Errol and daughter Alicia at their family farm in Dunoon. Aline was an integral and long-standing member of the brigade who we all miss dearly.

This article appeared in the Dunoon and District Gazette, October-November 2022.