FRNSW Singleton 444 have already been called to two incidents this morning (Wednesday) and their captain, Bruce Ambrose, would like to remind residents there is yet another Total Fire Ban in place.
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And, under no circumstances should they be lighting fires.
He says the message does not seem to be getting through, and with similar conditions expected next week this needs to change.
“At 4.30am this morning we were called to a grassfire near the small dam at Gardiner Circuit. Then at 9am we were called to a house where the offender was trying to burns sticks in the front yard for a barbecue,” he says.
“We expect Total Fire Bans to be in place next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.”
Mr Ambrose says the police can issue fines during a Total Fire Ban.
“They are heavy fines, and if it is a deliberate act you can be imprisoned,” he says.
On Monday they had to attend a substantial fire that destroyed most of the contents of a fully-laden shipping container.
Information regarding current bush and grass fire activity can be obtained at the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by telephoning the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
If you see a fire please call 000.
Lighting a fire on a day of TBN 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 in jail.
In a TBN no fire may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended.
This includes incinerators and barbecues (BBQ) which burn solid fuel, e.g. wood, charcoal or heat beads. No general purpose welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting can be done in the open.
