Excessive dry grass and fire fuel in the region has prompted an earlier bush fire danger period, with the transition to bush fire season rules beginning on 1 September for several councils across the Western Plains.  

Residents of Walgett, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Warrumbungles, Warren, Gilgandra and the Bogan will all be subject to the new rules as concern for a dangerous season ahead creeps in.  

From 1 September, landholders will require permits to conduct any open fires within Rural Fire Areas, and will need to notify neighbours and the NSW RFS 24 hours prior to lighting permit burns. 

According to RFS District Manager David Nicholson, the earlier date isn’t just about the potential to burn. 

“We are experiencing some fires at the moment that are starting to get worse as time goes on, and with a lack of significant rain things are really only going to get worse for us,” Mr Nicholson said.  

“There’s been a few (fires) to the north of Walgett which have gotten away from people, and some pretty close calls in Coonamble, Warren and Nyngan in the last week or two,” he said. 

Local government areas with 1 September start to the bushfire danger period are marked in red.

Reading the signs  

 As fire season begins, updated, digital fire danger rating signs are set to improve safety, offering real-time fire risk information.   

More than 200 digital fire warning signs are being rolled out, with the solar powered signs to be informed by date from the Bureau of Meteorology.   

Northern NSW LGAs who have already entered an early bushfire season will be prioritised for the rollout of the signs. 

Digital signs are to be rolled out across the state.

According to the RFS, hundreds of volunteer firefighters have already been deployed to contain fires across the state.   

“It’s important for everybody to be very conscious about the fact that it is very dry and fires spread quite quickly already,” Mr Nicholson said.  

Permits can be sourced from your local brigade Permit Issuing Officer or by contacting Rural Fire Service North West Zone Office on 6822 7700.