Fire Trail Register

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fire trail?

A fire trail is an access way identified by the local Bush Fire Management Committee used for preventing, fighting, managing and containing bush fires.

Why is it important to have a register of certified fire trails?

Having a state-wide register of fire trails assists the Rural Fire Service (RFS) in its planning for, and response to, bush fire incidents. Ensuring that only fire trails meeting certain standards are included in the Fire Trail Register means that the NSW RFS are able to have confidence that when it deploys resources to those locations, the resources will be able to safely and efficiently access and respond to an incident at that location.

What is the process for a fire trail to be certified and registered?

The registration of an identified fire trail will generally involve the following steps:

• A Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) for an area prepares a draft Fire Access and Fire Trail Plan (FAFT Plan) which includes the list of identified fire trails.
• The Bush Fire Coordinating Committee (BFCC) reviews and approves a draft FAFT Plan.
• Once a FAFT Plan is approved by the BFCC:
• The RFS will designate a fire trail in the FAFT Plan once an agreement is entered into between a private landowner and the RFS.
• The fire trail may be recognised, constructed or upgraded in accordance with the Fire Trail Standards.
  • the land managers (for public land) establish, upgrade and maintain the fire trail to the RFS Fire Trail Standards, or
  • the RFS (for private land) contacts landowners to discuss entering into agreements establish fire trails.

• Fire trails which are certified to the Fire Trail Standards are then included in the RFS Commissioner’s Fire Trail Register.

What happens if the BFMC has identified the need for a fire trail on my property?

If a trail on your land has been selected and recorded as an identified fire trail in a FAFT Plan, your local RFS District Office will contact you to discuss a proposal to formalise, establish or upgrade a fire trail on your property. The District Office will talk to you about entering into an agreement in relation to the fire trail which will include sections on the roles and responsibilities of the parties, and other rights under the agreement.

What will happen if there is a fire?

In the event of a fire, fire management agencies may access your property using the fire trail under the private land agreement.

Does having a fire trail on my land mean I will have a fire truck there to protect my property in the event of a fire?

Having a fire trail under a private land agreement with the RFS does not mean you will be assured to have a fire vehicle attending in the event of a fire incident. Having a fire trail under an agreement with the RFS that complies with the Fire Trail Standards, it means that firefighters will be able to access the land to prevent, fight, manage and contain bush fires quickly and efficiently on your own and surrounding properties.

When will the fire trail be used?

Generally, fire trails on private land will be used by fire management agencies in the event of a fire, in the investigation of a fire, (e.g. sighting of smoke) and for the prevention and management of fires. The RFS will also undertake condition inspections of the fire trail on an ongoing basis to determine if any maintenance is required in keeping with the Fire Trail Standards.