07/10/2026
The NSW Bush Fire Danger Period is officially here. Are you compliant and prepared? 🧑🚒🌾
As of October 1st, major parts of NSW have entered the 2026–27 Bush Fire Danger Period. This means free Fire Permits are now mandatory for ALL burning activities, both in and out of town limits.
While you map out your hazard reduction plans and coordinate with your local RFS brigade, don't let mechanical failures leave you vulnerable on a burn day. If you are operating a diesel firefighting pump or emergency backup generator as part of your containment plan, now is the absolute deadline to test your equipment:
✅ Check your pump's 12V electric start battery and clean the terminals.
✅ Flush old fuel and ensure your lines are completely clear.
✅ Confirm all metal spray fittings, dual impellers, and suction lines are pressure-tested.
Be safe, follow the regulations, and ensure your asset protection gear is as ready as you are.
👇 Read the full compliance checklist!
BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD 🔥🚫
As of October 1st, Parkes along with most parts of NSW are now in the 2026-27 Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP)
With the warmer months ahead, it’s important to remember that there are rules around lighting fires in the open during this period — and failure to follow these can result in fines and prison terms up to 12 months 💰🚔
📝 During BFDP a Fire Permit is required for ALL burning activities, both in and out of town limits
Fire Permits as FREE and easy to obtain, and help to ensure fire is safely used. This minimises the danger to you, your property and the community, keeps fire services informed of burns in the local area, and helps to avoid unnecessary emergency response.
Substantial fines and prison terms of up to 12 months may apply to persons found to be in breach of the Rural Fires Act 1997 and its Regulations 🚔
Civil law suits can also be bought against persons responsible for fire, by those seeking compensation, for losses sustained 🏠🔥
Things to ensure before lighting a fire:
✅ it can be contained and controlled within the specified area
✅ it does not contain toxic materials, such as rubber tyres, plastics, paint etc; and
✅ it must not cause an air pollution problem by producing excessive amounts of smoke.
On the day of the approved burn, permit holders must:
✅ check whether a Total Fire Ban in force on our Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban page. If there is, your permit is automatically suspended.
✅ check whether a No Burn day has been declared on the EPA website
✅ check the expected weather conditions
✅ notify and check with your local RFS Fire Control Centre or Fire and Rescue NSW station prior to lighting.
✅ follow any conditions restrictions listed in your permit.
You can find all BFDP and Fire Permit information here:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP
Ready to apply? Apply for a Fire Permit here:
https://nswrfsprod.service-now.com/guardian_csp?id=guardian_cat_item&sys_id=578b27b4c360b1104a9cdc311501313e
Parkes Shire Council
Fire and Rescue NSW
NSW Rural Fire Service
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 417 Parkes
NSW Rural Fire Service Mid Lachlan Valley Team
