The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has confirmed that the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) will commence on 1 August 2025 across the Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, and Tenterfield Local Government Areas.
From Thursday, fire permits will be required for the lighting of fires in the open. The BFDP marks a period where increased precautions are needed to prevent bush fires, and landholders are reminded to ensure that tasks like burning off vegetation are conducted safely and legally.
NSW RFS Northern Tablelands District Manager, Superintendent Glenn Colling, said early planning and preparation can make all the difference in preventing fires. “With the Bush Fire Danger Period beginning on the 1st of August, anyone wishing to carry out burning in the open must obtain a fire permit,” Superintendent Colling said.
“Permits help ensure that landholders can safely carry out controlled burns in suitable conditions. Fire permits help us protect neighbouring communities, manage weather conditions, reduce escape risks, and prevent fires during inappropriate conditions.”
The RFS has also introduced a streamlined SMS-only system for notifying authorities when burns are taking place, helping to keep local brigades informed and reduce unnecessary emergency call-outs. Landholders must still comply with the conditions listed on the fire permit, including having appropriate firefighting equipment on hand, and checking whether a Total Fire Ban is in place.
To notify the NSW RFS of a planned burn, landholders must:
• Text their name, location, and planned date(s) of the burn to 0429 322 555
• Notifications must be made at least 24 hours prior to the planned burn
• This number is SMS only—phone calls and voicemails will not be answered
The fire permit process begins by contacting either your local brigade or the Northern Tablelands Fire Control Centre to apply. To find out if a permit is required and to begin the application process, landholders should call the Permit Lodgement and Notification Number on 0429 322 555.
The former 1300 114 111 burn notification line is no longer in use.
The NSW RFS also reminded the community that all fire permits can be suspended or cancelled at any time if weather conditions change. Even small fires can quickly become dangerous under the wrong circumstances.
Residents are urged to stay up to date with fire conditions and current alerts by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or calling the Northern Tablelands Fire Control Centre on 6732 5100.
