The bushfire danger period began in the Blue Mountains on October 1 with the NSW Rural Fire Service urging residents to prepare now.
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NSW RFS Inspector Nicholas Medianik urged residents to make and discuss their bushfire survival plan.
"Having a bushfire 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," said Inspector Medianik.
Inspector Medianik said with summer conditions in the Blue Mountains becoming more conducive to the spread of fire, people need to be extremely careful when using fire.
"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.
"Residents can ask their 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.
"Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage," said Inspector Medianik.
During the bushfire danger period, land owners and managers are required to obtain a fire permit from their local fire control centre before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns.
If in doubt about whether you require a fire permit, or to apply for one, contact your local NSW RFS Fire Control Centre or Fire and Rescue NSW station. Substantial fines and prison terms of up to 12 months may apply to persons found to be in breach lighting fires in the open air without a Fire Permit.
On days of a Total Fire Ban all Fire Permits are automatically revoked.
Lighting a fire on a day of Total Fire Ban 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 jail. Penalties for a fire that escapes and damages or destroys life, property or the environment can attract much greater fines and jails terms with maximums at $132,000 and/or 14 years jail.
Information about hazard reduction burning and required notifications is available on the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP.
