Total Fire Ban As Temperatures Soar

FROM midnight tonight there will be a total fire ban statewide, until midnight on Saturday.

There are more than 100 fires burning across the state, with two currently burning in the Upper Hunter Shire area, one at Stewarts Brook and the Meads Creek fire south of Merriwa.

Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers, NSW Rural Fire Service is urging residents to be prepared for more bush fires.

“The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts are indicating widespread areas of severe and higher fire danger over coming days,” said Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers.

“Due to this increased fire risk a state wide total fire ban will be in place from midnight tonight until midnight Saturday night to reduce the potential of any further fires in the landscape,” he said.

“Firefighters from the NSW RFS along with Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Corporation of NSW, along with other emergency services continue to work tirelessly on fires across the state,” he said.

“Under these conditions the risk of fire is significant and we ask people to ensure that both their family and their property are prepared,” Deputy Comissioner Rob Rogers said.

To help prepare your property and ensure fire fighters have the best chance to defend it:

• trim overhanging trees and shrubs;
• mow your lawn and remove all the cut grass;
• remove material that can burn around your home;
• clear and remove all debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home, and
• prepare a hose or hoses that can reach all around your house.

Having a bush fire survival plan is critical: www.myfireplan.com.au

“It’s important to not only make but discuss your bush fire survival plan so you will know what you and your loved ones will do in the event a fire threatens,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

“Drink plenty of water, keep cool, take care of others and have a plan,” he said.

If residents feel threatened by fire they should phone 000 immediately, not a neighbour or friend.

• Website: Visit the RFS Website.
• Hotline: NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line 24/7 : 1800 679 737.
• App: Fires Near Me.
• Cudgegong RFS Facebook page.
• Liverpool Range RFS Facebook page.
• ABC Radio is the national emergency broadcaster.