With some continued gusty weather expected over the next seven days, Shoalhaven District Officer Bradley Collins has reminded the community on how to safely conduct pile burns. 

Burning of cut and stacked vegetation is referred to as a pile burn. Pile burns can be a useful method for reducing bush fire fuels, bush regeneration, property maintenance and agricultural activities. However, poorly managed pile burns can pose a bush fire risk and endanger lives, property and the environment. 

“In the last two-weeks we’ve attend half a dozen to eight pile burns that have just gotten away from the person,” Mr Collins said. 

“We want to encourage people to be vigilant [with their burns].” 

Mr Collins also reminded residents that while permits are not needed for pile burns outside of the Bush Fire Danger Period, the RFS still needed to be notified about plans for burns. 

“[People] just need to notify us 24 hours before they intend to burn, as well as their neighbours,” He said. 

“Burns may go for a day, a week or a month, regardless, people need to let us know.” 

Mr Collins said the recommended size for a pile burn was one metre by one metre. 

“We also recommend that people have a water source on hand in case an ember gets away from the pile,” he said. 

“People should keep a good eye on their burns and if possible put them out overnight and restart them in the morning.” 

Protective clothing is also an important factor to consider when undertaking a pile burn, according to Mr Collins. 

“It’s ideal if people were long pants and closed shoes,” he said. “Cotton or wool clothes are also better options than things like polyester or silk.” 

With winds of up to 40km per hour expected for the next seven days, Mr Collins said people should be wary of weather conditions before conducting any burns. 

 For more information about pile burns, visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/13323/Standards-for-Pile-Burning.pdf.