Total Fire Ban Declared

AT midnight tonight a total fire ban will be in place for the Upper Hunter.

No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended, however in some cases gas and electric barbeques are permitted.

The fine for lighting a fire during a total fire ban is $2,200 and the penalty for tossing a lit cigarette has doubled from $660 to $1,320.

Farmers are reminded that the New South Wales Rural Fire Service may request harvesting operations and use of machinery in grassland, paddocks and on roadsides cease.

During severe and very high fire conditions the New South Wales Rural Fire Service recommends the following:

• well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during a fire;
• follow your bush fire survival plan ad remain vigilant, and
• keep informed by listening tot he local radio, watching television news broadcasts and monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.