IN October 2013 the area around Lithgow was ablaze during the State Mine fire, and in October 2014, the same occurred around Springwood.
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Canobolas Rural Fire Service Superintendent Brett Bowden says landholders need to take the time to invest in a survival plan.
“The last thing that you want to be doing if a fire is approaching is working out what you’re going to do. It’s important that those decisions have already been made,” he said.
Substantial levels of soil moisture and the warm weather expected over the weekend could lead to an explosion in fuel levels, he says.
“We’re expecting that with a lot of the grasses still bright green, if the warm weather continues, they will begin to brown off in November,” Mr Bowden said.
“Landholders need to keep up the slashing. They need to concentrate on protecting their assets, clearing around yards and sheds and begin cleaning their gutters.”
The beginning of October also marks the start of the permit season. Anyone wanting to light a fire outdoors has to obtain a permit from the Fire Control Centre.
“If someone is intending on burning off or lighting a bonfire, they need to get a permit and also give their neighbours 24 hours notice,” Mr Bowden said.
Permits are free and are available by calling the Fire Control Centre on 6363 6666.
