A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Greater Hunter, Southern Ranges, Central Ranges, and North Western regions on Sunday, January 21, due to forecast hot and windy conditions.
The Total Fire Ban commenced at midnight on Saturday and will effect the following areas.
- Cessnock,
- Dungog,
- Lake Macquarie,
- Maitland,
- Muswellbrook,
- Newcastle,
- Port Stephens,
- Singleton,
- Goulburn Mulwaree,
- Upper Lachlan,
- Yass Valley,
- Queanbeyan-Palerang
- Bathurst,
- Blayney,
- Cabonne,
- Cowra,
- Lithgow,
- Mid-Western,
- Oberon,
- Orange
- Moree Plains,
- Narrabri,
- Walgett,
- Warrumbungle
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) provides the following advice:
Read more: RFS crews battle fire at Taralga
Under Severe and Very High fire conditions, well-prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during a fire. RFS has advised residents to follow their bushfire survival plan and remain vigilant.
The NSW RFS may issue a Harvest Safety Alert for areas of heightened risk. Harvest operators should monitor conditions and regularly check that they are operating within guidelines.
No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended during a Total Fire Ban. Gas and electric barbeques may be used provided certain conditions are met.
