Fire fighters from Bulahdelah, Tea Gardens, Pacific Palms, Wootton and Tuncurry were able to control the blaze that affected the OPTUS transmission tower on top of Alum Mountain and the land behind the Bulahdelah cemetery.

The fire started around midday on Sunday, September 24 and was controlled through back burning and water. The fire was declared out by midnight on the Sunday.

Superintendent Ian Lewis was unable to comment on the cause of the fire.

The Pacific Highway was closed near Bulahdelah for a few hours on the Sunday afternoon because of poor visibility as a result of the smoke.

To prevent bush fires, hazard reduction burning on private property can be carried out after a permit has been obtained from your local brigade.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) are encouraging residents in the area to identify hazards around their homes.

To protect your home from bushfires it is recommended that you:

z Clear dry fuels such as leaf litter, undergrowth and long grass away from your house as well as around cubby houses and sheds.

z Move wood piles and stacked flammables away from your house.

z Remove continuous vegetation that leads to buildings or other assets.

z Clean roof and floor spacing, vents, decking and gutters.

The RFS offers advice on how to reduce hazards in your area both safely and legally and how to go about getting the right permits.

Call 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737) or go to the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more info.