Lynne Mowbray |

RFS crews were kept busy in the Clarence Valley over the weekend with 13 fires burning throughout the valley – three fires are ‘being controlled’ and 10 are at ‘patrol’ level.

Clarence Valley Rural Fire District Manager, Superintendent Stuart Watts said that the three fires that are ‘being controlled’ were at Second Creek (Washpool State Forest), Old Glen Innes Road and Dinner Creek.

“At the present time, it’s ‘bushfire danger period’ in the Clarence Valley, with all fire permits suspended – with the exemption of ‘standing’ cane, for harvesting and milling purposes,” he said.

Superintendent Watts encouraged the community to monitor fires using the ‘Fires Near Me’ app, as it provides advice as to what you should be doing.

“If the fire’s doing nothing, it just says there’s a fire in your area, be careful, watch it and monitor this site,” he said.

“If it (the fire symbol) goes through the different colours well then there’s other advice warnings, like time to relocate, emergency warning in place or activate your bush fire survival plan etc,” he said.

During these dry conditions, it’s important for the community to stay vigilant.