FIRE permits will now be required across the Snowy Monaro Local Government Area from September 1.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has announced the Bush Fire Danger Period for the Snowy Monaro Local Government Area will begin a month earlier than the usual statutory Bush Fire Danger Period.

After extensive consultations with community members and the Bush Fire Management Committee it was decided to bring the permit season forward.

Snowy Monaro RFS deputy fire control officer Ash Morrow stated the early start date is due to concerning low fuel moisture levels, particularly in the northern parts of the district, with RFS crews having to have responded to numerous out of control fires in recent weeks.

"The early start to the Bush Fire Danger Period is a proactive measure to ensure community safety and preparedness."

During the Bushfire Danger Period, landowners and managers are required to obtain a Fire Permit from their local fire control centre before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns.

Permits are free and can be obtained by contacting the Snowy Monaro Fire Control Centre or your local brigade. On days of Total Fire Ban, all permits are automatically revoked.

"Over the last few weeks, there have been numerous occasions where fires have escaped and threatened properties," Mr Morrow said.

"Given the current conditions and recent fire activity, it is crucial that residents are well-prepared and use fire safely," deputy officer Morrow said.

A recent case in point is a grass fire which Cooma Rural Fire Brigade and Fire and Rescue NSW Cooma responded to early last week located on the outskirts of Cooma.

A property on Myalla Road was under threat after a fire escaped private land while the owner was burning off African Love grass.

Crews managed to contain the fire to approximately four hectares, without the loss of property.

The weather conditions on the day were benign, with no wind, yet the fire spread very rapidly.

"This is a clear warning of how volatile the cured grasses are in the Snowy Monaro Local Government area," Snowy Monaro RFS inspector, Langdon Gould, said.

"We urge all landowners to ensure they have properly planned their burn, put in their notifications, have clear and adequate mineral earth control lines around the perimeter of the burn, have firefighting suppression equipment and personnel on scene to control the fire, and have checked the weather to ensure conditions are safe.

"We ask if you haven't taken these steps then you don't light the fire."

Forecast strong winds and elevated temperatures this week are worrying conditions for any burn offs or fire activity.

"I also recommend and request no burning off operations while this weather pattern continues," inspector Gould advised.

"If you have been burning, check your fire and make sure it is out and will stay out."

All members of the community are encouraged to take proactive action now to ensure that their properties are as well prepared as possible for the Summer.

Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters, and checking hoses can reach all around the house.

Information about hazard reduction burning, required notifications and current fire activities is available on www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact the Snowy Monaro Fire Control Centre on 6455 0455.