Residents urged to take care when burning

"Grass land areas across the region are now drying out due to the recent warmer weather, and consequently private hazard reduction can be more challenging to control.

"Just recently NSW RFS brigades have been called to a number of burns getting away from landholders," said Superintendent Bryan Daly.

"Our olunteers have been kept busy in recent weeks with the northern region of NSW experiencing up to 20 grass fire related incidents per day.

"All too often problems occur when people do not adequately supervise fires. An escaped hazard reduction can be extremely dangerous and very difficult for our firefighters to contain.

"Landholders have a responsibility to prevent fire from spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for the person responsible for lighting the fire. Superintendent Daly said that for hazard reduction burning to be safe and effective, residents need to consider current and forecast weather conditions before lighting up.

"Preparing hazard reductions prior to lighting is vital to prevent break outs. Residents need to have adequately prepared fire breaks and have fire fighting equipment on hand to ensure the fire does not escape.

"Always remember to notify your neighbours and local fire authorities 24 hours before starting a hazard reduction burn.

"We want residents to take advantage of suitable conditions and prepare their properties for bush and grass fires, but all the necessary precautions must be observed.

"Everyone should have a bush fire survival plan, so they know what to do, particularly on days of increased fire danger.

"There is no room for complacency when it comes to bush fire safety," Superintendent Daly said.