NSW: Bushfire season ushered in two months early

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2004
NSW: Bushfire season ushered in two months early

The New South Wales bushfire danger season has been declared two months earlier than
usual because of dangerously dry weather conditions.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service commissioner PHIL KOPERBERG says fire permits are
now required in 52 local government areas.

Mr KOPERBERG says the bushfire danger period has been declared two months early due
to the prolonged dry conditions.

He's urged land owners and managers to take care when doing hazard reduction work.

Permits are required east of the Great Dividing Range and in metropolitan Sydney, Wollongong
and Newcastle areas.

Failure to obtain a fire permit will result in fines up to $5,500, with prison terms
a possibility.

AAP RTV tam/lm

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRE (SYDNEY)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.