Rural Fire Service extends the Bush Fire Danger Period until April 30

The extension means that anyone wanting to light a fire in the Yass Valley, Goulburn Mulwaree or Upper Lachlan Shire local government areas will need a permit, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Superintendent Peter Alley said.

"Fire permits are free and available from your local fire station or Fire Control Centre," he said.

Residents must also notify neighbouring land owners and their local fire authority 24 hours before lighting any fires, Superintendent Alley said.

The decision to extend the Bush Fire Danger Period was made by the NSW RFS in consultation with the Southern Tablelands Bush Fire Management Committee and other stakeholders.

The "overriding concern is the safety of all Southern Tablelands residents ... these decisions are never made lightly," Superintendent Alley said.

Last year was one of the top ten hottest on record for Australia and drier and warmer-than-average weather is predicted to continue in this area between March and May, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reports.

To make a bush fire survival plan, visit www.myfireplan.com.au.

Report all unattended fires to 000.