Fire safety.
Key bush fire safety information for landholders across the Northern Rivers and South East QLD. Choose your state below, and always confirm current warnings, ratings and permit requirements on the official site.
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Showing information for NSW Rural Fire Service
Prepare your property
Practical steps to get your home and land ready before the bush fire season — clearing fuel, maintaining gutters, water supply, gaps and access. Preparation dramatically improves your chances on a high-risk day.
Prepare your propertyMake a Bush Fire Survival Plan
Decide in advance what you'll do if fire threatens — your trigger to leave, where you'll go, and what to take. The NSW RFS 'My Fire Plan' tool walks you through it in minutes.
Make your plan (My Fire Plan)Apply for a fire permit
During the Bush Fire Danger Period you generally need a permit to light a fire in the open. Permits are free and help ensure your burn is conducted safely and lawfully. Always notify your neighbours and the RFS before you burn.
Fire permits (NSW RFS)Fire Danger Ratings & Total Fire Bans
Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. On Total Fire Ban days, no fire may be lit in the open. Check the current rating and bans for your area daily during the season.
Ratings & Total Fire Bans (NSW RFS)Hazard reduction & burning off
Reducing fuel loads lowers bush fire risk. Understand when and how you can burn off, what approvals you need, and how hazard reduction works across private and public land.
Hazard reduction (NSW RFS)Travelling & camping
Heading bush? Know the rules for campfires, what to do if you're travelling on a high fire danger day, and how to stay informed about fires near your route or campsite.
Travelling & camping safety (NSW RFS)Know your risk
Understand the bush fire risk where you live. The NSW RFS helps you assess how exposed your property is, what kind of fire could affect you, and what that means for your survival plan.
Know your risk (NSW RFS)10/50 vegetation clearing
If your property is in a designated 10/50 area you may be entitled to clear trees within 10 metres and underlying vegetation within 50 metres of your home without approval. Check the online tool first.
10/50 clearing tool (NSW RFS)Farm fire safety
Farms carry unique bush fire risks — machinery, fuel, stock and large distances. Learn how to prepare your farm, protect livestock, and reduce ignition risks from equipment and operations.
Farm fire safety (NSW RFS)Static water supply
A dedicated water supply — tanks, pools or dams with the right fittings — can make all the difference to firefighters defending your property. Learn the SWS signage and connection standards.
Static Water Supply (NSW RFS)Neighbourhood Safer Places
A Neighbourhood Safer Place is a building or open space that may offer some protection as a last resort during a bush fire. Find your nearest one and understand its limitations.
Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSW RFS)Building on bush fire prone land
Planning to build or renovate in a bush fire prone area? Understand the assessment, construction standards (BAL ratings) and approvals required to make your home more fire resilient.
Building on BFP land (NSW RFS)Fact sheets & resources
Download NSW RFS fact sheets, publications and guides covering survival planning, property preparation, hazard reduction and more — handy printable references for your household.
Fact sheets (NSW RFS)Check fires near you
See current incidents across NSW and QLD on our live map.
Information links to the NSW Rural Fire Service. Information is provided as general guidance only. In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
