guidelines for Mowing and Slashing during the Fire Danger Period Mowing and / or slashing the grass on rural properties can produce effective fire breaks. Although the breaks may not necessarily stop a fire they may help to reduce its speed and rate of spread and its intensity, providing the opportunity to bring the fire under control. Keeping the grass short, and green if sufficient water available, may also help to protect homes, sheds, workshops and equipment and crops from a fire. However, each summer there are numerous fires started from mowing and slashing activity - often resulting in the loss of expensive mowers. To assist residents to mitigate against the risk of starting a fire, and to avoid the fines that can be incurred, the Brigade has put together this guidelines Fact Sheet. SVRFB (GS) MSFS V2 OCT When is the best time to slash / mow Early morning or late evening is the best time to slash or mow the grass, particularly if there is some dew on the grass in the morning. At these times the risk of starting a fire is low. Avoid slashing / mowing through the middle of the day (from about 9am to 7pm), when conditions are hottest and driest, and the risk of starting a fire is at the highest level. If conditions are unsuitable consider putting off the job until they are milder rather than risk causing a fire. On days on which a Total Fire Ban has been declared, it is strongly recommended that residents DO NOT carry out slashing and mowing activities, heavy fines may be imposed if a fire is started. Even the use of hand mowers in hot dry conditions can cause fires Fire breaks can help protect assets such as houses, sheds and crops Fire breaks can help reduce fire spread and intensity

NSW Rural Fire Service Southern Tablelands Zone IN CASE OF FIRE CALL 000 SVRFB (GS) MSFS V2 OCT Safety precautions Before starting, ask yourself whether conditions are safe on the day you intend to carry out the slashing / mowing and does the job really need to be done today ? On days with a Fire Danger Rating of Very High or above residents are advised not to carry out mowing and or slashing activities. It is a requirement, by law, for all mowers and tractors to carry either a water-type fire extinguisher and /or a water filled knapsack at all times when carrying out mowing / slashing work. On large acreage properties, where a lot of slashing / mowing will take place, it may be worth setting up a ute with a water tank, pump and hose. Before slashing / mowing, check that the equipment (and tractor or mower) is in good condition, free from oil leaks, free from fuel leaks, free from mechanical or structural faults that could start a fire and that they are fitted with spark arrestors. Fines The fines payable for starting a fire increased significantly in August If you start a fire that escapes from your property you may be liable to prosecution. Penalties for a fire that escapes and damages or destroys life, property or the environment on a Total Fire Ban Day can attract much greater fines and gaol terms with maximums at $132,000 and /or 14 years gaol. By following the guidelines set out in this fact sheet residents can prevent fires from occurring when slashing / mowing, and thus avoid the associated penalties. Where and how much to mow For our area, fires are mostly likely (but not exclusively) to come from the north to western exposures, so creating fire breaks along northern and western boundaries are especially useful. Fire breaks mown around buildings and crops can give increased protection from fires. Fire breaks should be at least two or more mower widths, the wider they are the more effective they are likely to be at slowing the fires spread and lowering its intensity. Tractors and mowers should carry a water-type extinguisher and / or a water-filled knapsack. Mower mounted spray units or farm utes set up for spraying can be filled with water also provide fire protection for mowing / slashing activities, (as well as for other activities that might produce sparks such as welding and grinding).