07/06/2026
It was a textbook pile burn on an early winter's morning. Factors we had to consider: high moisture content, the possibility of increasing winds as the day wore on, a green wattle tree on the edge of the burn (which we saved), the close proximity to a arterial road, eucalypt trees overhead, heavy logs near the top of the pile and on the perimeters and small more flammable material on the bottom.
With 25ml hoses charged and ready, warning signs displayed up and down the road, drip torches to find ignition points closer to the centre than the edge, 5 members in full Personal Protection Equipment standing close by with McLeod tools and a power blower, we began at about 9.30 am.
By 11.30 am the pile was reduced to a few large logs, with a wet zone in place and bare earth edges. Patrolling happened for the next 24 hours. Well done to the crews of BVB Cat 9 and Cat 2.
Notification Requirements
Even outside the official Bush Fire Danger Period, pile burns require a Burn Notification to the RFS and adjoining neighbours at least 24 hours before lighting the fire. This ensures that fire authorities are aware of planned burns and helps prevent unnecessary emergency responses.
If you need advice on doing a pile burn and you live on the outskirts of Berry or in a more rural area, please contact the Broughton Vale Berry Brigade on [email protected]. Pile burning in Berry requires a permit from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 224 Berry as a fire permit is required all year round.
