The bushfire danger period for the Southern Tablelands, including the Upper Lachlan Shire, will commence on October 1.
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The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has urged residents to complete a bush fire survival plan and ensure all members of a household know what to do if their home is threatened by a bush fire.
"With much of NSW in drought and a forecast of ongoing warm and dry conditions, there is the potential for a long and protracted bush fire season," RFS Superintendent Peter Alley said.
"Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from around their home and assets, keeping lawns mown, clearing gutters of leaves and checking hoses and pumps are operable."
In August, 12 areas began their bushfire danger period before the traditional start of October 1, and more began in September due to the current and forecast conditions.
Parts of the Riverina and the Southern Border will commence their bushfire danger period on October 14 due to the recent rainfall recorded and reduced fuel loads, including Albury; Berrigan; Federation; Greater Hume; Coolamon; Junee; Lockhart, and; Wagga Wagga.
For the first time, a large air tanker - fire bombing aircraft - will be based in New South Wales year-round.
The new addition to the aerial firefighting fleet, the Boeing 737 named Marie Bashir, will be based at Royal Australian Air Force base in Richmond.
It is able to reach all parts of the state within an hour and can deliver 15,000 litres of water or suppressant per fly over.
During the danger period, land owners and managers are required to obtain permits before lighting fires for land clearance or fire breaks.
To get a free permit contact the Southern Tablelands fire control centre on 4832 0268.
The statutory bush fire danger period runs from October 1 to March 31 each year. In 2018, the bush fire danger period in the Southern Tablelands concluded on April 30.
For warnings about bush fires and other incidents attended by the NSW RFS visit Fires Near Me on the RFS website or download the mobile application for iOS and Android.