Total Fire Ban Issued

THE New South Wales Rural Fire Service has declared a total fire ban for the Greater Hunter due to worsening weather conditions than originally forecast with strong winds and drier conditions.

Winds in the Upper Hunter are approximately 45 kilometres an hour, with gusts of 50 to 60 kilometres expected.

With a top temperature today in Scone of 23 degrees the Bureau of Meteorology have advised it is dangerous conditions for grass fires.

As of 10:45am today, there are 60 bush and grass fire burning across the state, with closest fire to the Upper Hunter is at Bureen Road, Bureen, near Jerry’s Plains.

During a total fire ban, NO fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended.

Gas and electric barbeques may be used if they adhere to the total fire ban rules.

Information about fire activity is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.