FIRE permits will be suspended in the Wingecarribee Shire from December 1 until further notice.
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The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW made the announcement due to hot, dry and windy conditions being forecast.
Inspector David Stimson from the Southern Highlands RFS team said the decision was made in order to help keep the local community safe from bush and grass fires.
"In hot, dry and windy conditions fires can start quickly and spread rapidly and the potential is there for dangerous fire weather to eventuate in the coming weeks," he said.
"Just one spark from a planned pile burn can cause a fire to spread and threaten life and property.
"While fire permits have been suspended, we encourage residents to undertake other activities to protect their property from fire, such as clearing leaves from their gutters and removing flammable materials from around their homes."
The announcement has been backed by Fire and Rescue NSW zone commander, Superintendent David Lewis.
"We fully support the suspension of fire permits and this will affect the residents in the four FRNSW areas of the Wingecarribee LGA, which are Bundanoon, Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong," he said.
Serious penalties, including fines and/or imprisonment, apply for starting a fire without a permit during the Bush Fire Danger Period.
Permits may be authorised in exceptional circumstances, such as public safety or essential business works.
To request an exemption, contact the Mittagong Fire Control Centre on 4868 5500.
* For more information, visit the NSW RFS website.