Community Safety

The Community Safety Section of the Riverina Zone provides Fire Mitigation and Community Education Services. The Community Safety Section consists of Community Safety Officer James Smith and Fire Mitigation Officer Scott Vale.

Before you light that fire

Many residents contact the Rural Fire Service seeking advice on burning piles of rubbish or vegetation. The following is a general advice to give consistent instructions, and refer enquiries to the responsible authorities.

Open burning is regulated by Local Government and the NSW Environment Protection Authority under the Protection of the Environment (Clean Air) Regulation 2010.

All enquiries for pile burning should be referred to the relevant Local Council.

Outside the Bush Fire Danger Period a permit from the Rural Fire Service to burn rubbish, prunings, trees, etc, is generally not required. The exception to this is when the burning may endanger a building. In this case a permit under section 88 of the Rural Fires Act is required. This can be issued by any Permit Issuing Officer.

Within the NSW Fire Brigade Districts, residents should also consult with the local Fire Brigade:

Coolamon: 6927 3003
Junee: 6924 1222
Lockhart: 6920 5103
Wagga Wagga: 6921 3022

Residents must also ensure:

• Neighbours and relevant authorities are notified at least 24 hours prior to the burn.
• Burning is done so as to minimise air pollution and inconvenience to other residents.
• Materials such as tyres, coated wire, paint and solvent containers and treated timber must not be burnt.
• Piles for burning are located away from buildings, power lines and vegetation.
• All material to be burnt should be dead and dry.
• A responsible adult is constantly supervising the burn until it is extinguished.