04/12/2025
📛🔥 TOTAL FIRE BAN: What you CAN and CANNOT do! A total fire ban is in effect — but what exactly does that mean? 🤷♀️ Common questions people often ask include whether they can use a BBQ, mow their lawn, or use machinery. The NSW RFS says:-
✅ YES, you CAN use a gas barbecue, as long as:
▪️ It is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating;
▪️ No combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating;
▪️ You have an immediate and continuous supply of water; and
▪️ The barbeque is within 20 metres of a permanent private dwelling such as a home; or within a designated picnic area.
✅ YES, you CAN use an electric barbeque as long as it is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating, and no combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating.
✅ YES, you CAN use a chainsaw, lawn mower or grass cutter in a suburban or built up area, but not in bushland or areas with non-green vegetation. The area must first be cleared of flammable material.
✅ YES, you CAN use a generator.
✅ YES, you CAN smoke outside, but you must dispose of the cigarette responsibly.
❌ You CANNOT light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.
❌ NO, you CANNOT use a barbecue outside that uses wood, heat beads, charcoal, or any kind of solid or liquid fuel. This includes Weber "kettle" charcoal barbecues, outdoor pizza ovens and spit-style rotisseries.
❌ NO, you CANNOT cook a hangi.
❌ NO, you CANNOT light or maintain a fire pit or fire bowl.
❌ NO, you CANNOT light or burn rubbish in an incinerator.
❌ NO, you CANNOT undertake any general purpose hot works, such as welding, soldering, grinding or gas cutting in the open.
❌ NO, you cannot light a fire because you have a permit. All fire permits are suspended during a total fire ban.
❌ NO, you CANNOT flick a lit cigarette out of a car window. Doing so during a total fire ban will attract a hefty $1320 fine.
🚜🌾 FARM OPERATIONS
The NSW RFS strongly recommends landholders reconsider activities such as such using a tractor or slashing, to help reduce the chance of a fire starting on your property.
Farmers undertaking harvesting operations should also regularly check their local weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting and Fire Safety Guide, and only resume if it's safe to do so.
👮♂️💰 PENALTIES APPLY
Lighting a fire on a day of Total Fire Ban attracts an on the spot fine of $2200. If the matter goes to court, you could be subject to a fine of up to $5500 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
Penalties for a fire that escapes and damages or destroys life, property or the environment can attract much greater fines and gaol terms with maximums at $132,000 and/or 14 years imprisonment.
Civil law suits can also be brought against the person responsible for a fire by those seeking compensation for losses sustained.
For more information on total fire bans, visit the RFS website.
🟠🔥 An EXTREME FIRE DANGER RATING is in place for the Eastern and Southern Riverina weather districts, covering the , , , , and LGAs.
If a fire starts today, it will spread rapidly and be difficult to control. Under these conditions, the NSW RFS says immediate action is needed to protect lives and property. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts. Check your bush fire plan and ensure that your property is fire ready. Reconsider travel through bush fire risk areas.
⚠️ Know your fire risk!
💭 Did you know grass fires can move up to x3 faster than a bushfire? Discuss/review your bushfire survival plan so you know what you will do if fire threatens.
: Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000); don’t assume someone else has.
Stay alert, follow all local emergency instructions, and avoid any activities that could spark a fire.
Keep yourself and your community safe.
📍 Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
The Junee Bulletin |
