Bushfire management
We work closely with the Rural Fire Service to reduce the risk of fire to our community. We do this through asset protection zones, hazard reduction burns and maintaining fire trails.
Council is part of the Lower Hunter Bush Fire Management Committee, which produces the Lower Hunter Bush Fire Risk Management Plan to guide fire management activities.
Asset Protection Zones
Asset Protection Zones are designated areas where vegetation is kept trimmed and controlled to reduce bushfire risk.
We use them to prevent the spread of fire from Council managed land to neighbouring properties.
Asset Protection Zones are maintained quarterly, weather permitting.
We need help from our community to ensure Asset Protection Zones are kept clear in the event of a bushfire. Please:
- don't dump waste
- don't plant trees or shrubs
- don't store any sort of equipment or bulky items
- don't park vehicles within an Asset Protection Zone.
Hazard reduction burns
A hazard reduction burn is a controlled burn which removes vegetation to help lower the risk of bushfires.
They are carried out between 1 April and 30 September in extreme and very high risk areas.
Hazard reduction burns are conducted by RFS and NSW Fire and Rescue on Council owned and managed land when required and after all environmental factors have been considered and addressed.
National Parks and Wildlife Services, Crown Land, Forestry, Worimi Land Council and residents also conduct hazard reduction burns during this time.
If you live a rural area, you can request a permit to burn off small piles during the bushfire danger period from 1 October to 31 March.
Permits are free and can be obtained from NSW Rural Fire Service Lower Hunter on 02 4015 0000.
For more information, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service
Fire trails
A fire trail is a track identified for firefighters to access areas of dense bushland. They are used by emergency services to establish containment lines, monitor fuel loading and keep homes safe from fire threats.
No. Fire trails have locked gates and are signposted so only emergency services and Council have access.
Excessive use of fire trails by the public can severely deteriorate them and make them inaccessible to emergency services during bush fire incidents.
For more information about fire trails, visit the visit NSW Rural Fire Service
Bushfire information
The NSW Rural Fire Service provides current information on:
- major incidents and fires
- current Total Fire Bans
- advice on protecting your property
- building development.
For more information, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service or call the Rural Fire Service Information Line