Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant after a lightening strike caused a fire on January 14. The fire, in Windellama, was quickly brought under control by Rural Fire Service crews.
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RFS Southern Tablelands district assistant Krystaal Hinds urged people to take all necessary precautions this fire season.
She said the idea that there was "nothing left to burn" after last Summer's bushfires was a myth.
"Approximately six per cent of the state burnt last year," she said.
"There is high fuel loading in grasslands this year."
The Windellama fire follows a 52 hectare blaze at Chatsbury earlier this week. The fire was reportedly caused by sparks from an angle grinder on Monday, January 11. RFS crews contained the fire but not before 52 hectares of grassland was burnt.
Ms Hinds urged the public to call 'Triple Zero' 000 if they saw smoke or fire.
The NSW Rural Fire Service said there was an increased risk of grass fires this season. They encouraged the community to develop a fire plan and to:
- Keep grass short - you can mow it, graze it or slash it back
- Maintain your machinery
- Know where you can move your animals to safely
- Check and maintain firefighting equipment like pumps and hoses
- Make sure a fire truck can access your property - think bridges, gates or obstructions
- If you are using fire at your property contact the fire control centre and find out if you need a permit
Currently a permit is required to light a fire. Substantial fines and prison terms of up to 12 months may apply to people lighting fires without a permit. Civil law suits can also be bought against persons responsible for fire.