• Eden Fire and Rescue NSW fire captain Zlatco Nemec braces against a strong southerly change to fight an escaped camp fire at Billy Goat Island on Friday afternoon.
Fire fighters were called to a fire on Billy Goat Island that threatened cliff side reserve and buildings in Calle Calle Street on Friday afternoon.
Fire and Rescue NSW captain Zlatco Nemec said it appeared to be a camp fire that had flared when strong southerly winds came away at about 5pm.
“It could have been a very serious fire if it had jumped onto the next cliff, our main concerns were for the churches, church residences and buildings there,” he said.
“It was really good the neighbours picked up on the fire and called 000 before it got out of hand.
“It’s easier to investigate a fire in the early stages than to fight one that is established.”
Getting water to the fire was made easier with the assistance of the Eden Rural Fire Service four-wheel-drive and crew.
Mr Nemec said all fires and potential fires were being taken very seriously after the fire season began a month early in September.
“We are keeping a strong lid on it and I have knocked permits back because the piles are too big,” he said.
He said permits are issued after an inspection of the site and have substantial restrictions at this time of year.
For example fires are to be extinguished by 5pm on the day of the burn.
People need to carefully monitor weather conditions and postpone the burn in the event of a total fire ban.
Permits within the township boundaries can be arranged by phoning NSW Fire and Rescue Eden on 6496 1506.
People living in the rural areas can call Rural Fire Service on 6494 400.