Be Fire Aware At GMB

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The presence of the Rural Fire Brigade at Mackerel Beach is a great benefit to the community. It not only protects them from the threat of fire, it also means that houses at Mackerel Beach can be insured against fire.

Membership of the brigade is voluntary and all residents are welcome to join. The Brigade meets on the first Saturday of each month (10 am) in the fire brigade shed at the end of Diggers Crescent, Mackerel Beach. Duties include ensuring that the equipment is kept in working order as well as clearing the fire trails between residents homes and the National Park on a regular basis.

The lighting of a fire for burning vegetation requires a Hazard Reduction Certificate from the Terry Hills Fire Control Centre and at certain times of the year during fire season you will also require a local permit from the Mackerel Beach Rural Fire Brigade. Hazard Reduction Certificate applications can be downloaded at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP

Fire Permits help ensure fire is used safely and minimise the danger to you, your property and the community

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• You need a local fire permit if it's the Bush Fire Danger Period in addition to your Hazard Reduction Certificate (HRC). You must follow the instructions on both your HRC and permit including notifying your neighbours and the Fire Control Centre prior to any burns and also observe any directions provided by the RFS. 
• Note that burning is only for vegetation - it is not for household or commercial waste including building materials.
• Just because it's the Bush Fire Danger Period it doesn't mean you can't use fire - but there are restrictions to ensure fire is used safely.
• Getting a permit is free and easy. Contact your local Fire Control Centre.
• There are heavy penalties if you don't follow restrictions or rules.

Please note that other restrictions, approvals and/or permits may apply to council areas where the Bush Fire Danger Period has not been declared. For example, backyard burning is not permitted in many suburban areas due to Environmental Regulations and Council or Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) permission is required.

Check these guides for more information on permits and reducing hazards on your property:

• Before You Light That Fire - information on permits and steps you need to take before using fire on your property
• Can I or Can't I - a simple guide to restrictions such as during Total Fire Bans

If you see an unattended fire or have any other emergency, please always call 000 to report in addition to approaching a local brigade member.  By calling 000 you ensure that the most appropriate resources will be activated in a timely manner.