The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) begins in the Northern Tablelands on 1st August 2026 and the RFS is urging residents to prepare now.
The RFS today announced 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) will commence the BFDP on 1st August 2026, ahead of the commencement of the statewide statutory BFDP on 1 October, due to prevailing dry conditions.
RFS Inspector Scott Keelan is urging residents in Tenterfield, Inverell and Glen Innes Severn LGAs to make and discuss their bush fire survival plan.
“Northern Tablelands is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions, so the RFS has declared the Bush Fire Danger Period to begin from tomorrow to ensure residents are well aware of the possible risks from fire and have a plan in place now,” Inspector Keelan said.
“Having a bush fire survival plan will ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and what to do if their home is threatened by fire. Inspector Scott Keelan said while the RFS is doing everything it can to mitigate the risk of fire, preparation is a shared responsibility, and property owners need to do their part too.
“Worryingly, recent research tells us only half of residents living in bush fire prone areas have undertaken any preparatory work on their properties,” Inspector Keelan said. “Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters, checking hoses can reach all around the house and where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities,” Inspector Keelan said.
“You can ask your local Fire Control Centre for assistance in carrying out safe hazard reductions and for advice about whether they need a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate.”
During the BFDP, landowners and managers are required to obtain a Fire Permit from their local Fire Permit Officer or local Fire Control Centre before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns. On days of Total Fire Ban all Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificates are automatically revoked.
Information about hazard reduction burning and required notifications is available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP.
