A PARTICULARLY dry end to summer in the North West has seen the statutory bush fire danger period extended to April 30 across nine local government areas in the region.
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It’s not a common move, and long-term forecasts are predicting more dry weather in the region over April and May, according to New England Rural Fire Service (RFS) Inspector Tim Butcher.
“It’s not common and it’s not a decision that’s taken lightly,” Inspector Butcher said, pointing to underlying dryness across the region as a major factor in the decision.
The New England Inspector, whose RFS covers Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Walcha and Uralla shires, said the underlying dryness could continue coming into the frost period which, he said, kills off a lot of green vegetation.
New England largely avoided a potentially bad fire season, which Inspector Butcher said was thanks to the predicted El Nino system being nowhere near as severe as predicted.
The extension of the bush fire danger period means anyone wishing to light a fire in the affected council areas is still required to gain a permit.
Tamworth RFS Superintendent Allyn Purkiss said the bush fire danger period usually ended on March 31 but echoed his New England counterpart, saying prevailing weather conditions were the main factor in the decision.
Superintendent Purkiss said the decision to extend the danger period was made in consultation with Bush Fire Management Committees and local NSW RFS captains.
“Our overriding concern is the safety of all residents and we have acted accordingly.”
