Some residents have ignored the Rural Fire Service’s fire permit suspension, which has led to “uncontrollable” escaped pile burns.
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The bushfire danger period started a month early on September 1.
Two weeks later, the Rural Fire Service issued a fire permit suspension on September 13 for Wingecarribee and Wollondilly shire residents.
According to Rural Fire Service community safety officer Inspector David Stimson, firefighters have attended one to three escaped fires across the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Shires each day since the suspension.
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“People are still illegally lighting up pile burns despite the fact that fire permits are suspended until further notice,” Inspector Stimson said.
“We would like to reinforce the message that with the current weather conditions, fires are escaping and becoming uncontrollable. This is the reason behind the suspension.
“Heavy penalties will apply to people who disregard suspension.”
A $2200 fine applies if a fire escapes, a fire is lit during a total fire ban day or if a fire is unattended.
When there is not a fire permit suspension, if a resident lights a fire without a permit, a $1100 fine applies.
During the fire permit suspension, exceptions will remain for carcass destruction on a case-by-case basis.
The conditions remain non-conducive in many areas across the Wingecarribee Shire and Wollondilly Shires to the safe conducting of pile burning at this time.
Agencies will however continue to explore opportunities to carry out hazard reduction works as conditions permit.
Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for details.
