The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) ends at midnight (12:00am) tonight, Monday, March 31, 2025 for most of New South Wales (NSW), including the Snowy Monaro Local Government Area.
Fire agencies and land managers in these areas where the BFDP has ended will now turn their attention towards conducting hazard reduction works, which includes planned burning across many areas of the state where and when possible.
PHOTO: Operations from recent hazard reduction burns in Kosciuszko National Park CREDIT: Jindabyne Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Inspector Langdon Gould said all members of the public must still abide by the law when conducting their own hazard reduction burns.
“From Tuesday April 1, fire permits will no longer be required for the Snowy Monaro Local Government Area,” Inspector Gould said.
“Even though a fire permit is no longer required, residents must still notify their neighbours and the local fire authority at least 24 hours before burning.”
“Before lighting up, people should also check whether they need a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate and have planned their burn including establishing effective mineral earth fire breaks, checked current and predicted weather, and have sufficient capable personnel and equipment on hand to control and contain the fire to their property.”
“If fire services know about a planned burn, it can help prevent unnecessary responses from local firefighters when we know it is planned and controlled.”
“Despite these milder conditions, there is always the potential for fires to threaten life, property and the environment, if they are not managed correctly.”
PHOTO: A recently escaped permit burn on the Snowy River Way at Maffra CREDIT: NSW Snowy Monaro District RFS
Inspector Gould said the local community should not become complacent to the danger of bush and grass fires, even with expected milder local conditions. The grass fire threat remains present in the area, especially in areas where African Lovegrass and other cured grasses and tussocks are prevalent. Grass fire threat through the autumn and winter months is not unusual for the Snowy Monaro Local Government Area, as regular frosts intensify the grass curing.
“We urge all residents to take the threat of bush and grass fires seriously and to prepare their families and home now,” Inspector Gould said.
“Your local Rural Fire Brigade or Fire Control Centre can provide advice on how to safely undertake hazard reduction work and how to best prepare yourself, your property and your family for the next bush fire season.
“The first thing you should do is review your bush fire survival plan and discuss it with your household.”
To notify of your intent to burn off, use the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or contact the Fire Control Centre on 6455 0455, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.