NSW RFS Operational Officer Bradley Stewart said property owners should now be implementing their bushfire survival plan.

“This includes owners of farms or larger holdings placing firebreaks around valuable assets on their property and ensuring firefighting equipment is in good working order,” Mr Stewart said.

“An effective fire break can be achieved by grazing, slashing and mowing or by using herbicides or burning off.”

Property owners who are considering burning off on their property require a fire permit before conducting any burn offs during the Bush Fire Danger Period.

The period for the Riverina was brought forward on October 1 this year after warm and dry conditions came early this year.

​“We have received reports about people lighting up without obtaining fire permits and carelessly allowing burns to escape, which poses a very real and potentially deadly risk to your community if that escaped burn takes hold,” Mr Stewart said.

“The conditions of the fire permit are basic common sense, which include having a responsible adult present at the fire until it is extinguished.”

People who live in urban areas whose properties are located close to rural areas or reserves are also advised to prepare their homes.

“This can be easily done by trimming overhanging trees and shrubs, mowing grassy areas, and removing materials that can easily burn from gutters and areas surrounding your home,” Mr Stewart said.

“This extends to owners of vacant residential lots and developers who are also strongly encouraged to maintain their properties to prevent and to minimize the danger of the spread of bushfires on or from their land.”

The NSW RFS say that it can take just five minutes to be better prepared for a bush fire.