- Details
The Bushfire Period is usually from 1 October to 31 March. In the Blue Mountains fire usually occurs from spring to midsummer after our dry winters. Further south fire occurs in late summer as winters are usually wet and summers hot and dry. You need to be particularly alert to the risk of fire if:
- It is hot, dry and windy
- There is a Total Fire Ban (TOBAN). See Total Fire Bans (TOBAN) and Fire Danger Ratings on this website. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website under Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans for more information on Total Fire Bans and if any are in place.
- The Fire Danger Meter, located outside the Mt Wilson shed, registers 'High' or above. See Total Fire Bans (TOBAN) and Fire Danger Ratings on this website or NSW Rural Fire Service Website under Plan and Prepare - Fire Danger Ratings for more information. You may also hear this rating on TV or radio.
- The RFS has issued an 'Alert' warning on TV or radio. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website under Plan and Prepare - Alert levels for more information on Alert levels.
- You have received a warning ('Emergency Alert') on your phone or mobile. For more information on Emergency Alerts please check www.emergencyalert.gov.au.
What do all these messages mean?
A Total Fire Ban (TOBAN) tells you what you can or can't do on days when, if a fire starts, it will spread rapidly and be out of control.
Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire will be if it starts.
Alerts tell you that a fire has started and how threatening it can be. This level of threat can change suddenly.
Emergency warnings tell you that you that fire is about to impact and what action to take.
If fire threatens and you and your property are not prepared, the best option is to LEAVE EARLY.
