The Rural Fire Service has advised residents in bushfire-prone areas they may wish to spend Sunday away from the home due to potentially 'extreme' fire danger predicted for the Hunter.
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Temperatures in some parts of the region are set to reach into the high 30s on Saturday and eclipse 40 degrees on Sunday, which combined with predicted northwesterly winds, could cause potential fires to spread rapidly and cause severe damage.
Total fire bans are also expected to be in place.
"This is our first significant increase in weather conditions for the season," Lower Hunter Rural Fire Service Inspector Glenn Byrnes said.
"The public should have already reviewed their bushfire safety plans and know what they'll do if fire approaches.
"Given Sunday's conditions, if people feel they are not in an appropriate position to defend, they may wish to spend the day at a shopping centre or the beach.
"As we saw last year, fires can be fast moving. Leave early - don't wait until you see smoke or flames.
As we saw last year, fires can be fast moving. Leave early - don't wait until you see smoke or flames.
- RFS Inspector Glenn Byrnes
"As part of bushfire survival plans, consider animals. Farmers should consider stock given there's been prolific grass growth in last six months."
Inspector Byrnes said as part of RFS preparations, a number of Lower Hunter strike teams had been established and aircraft crews would be on standby.
"A strike team is a group of about five trucks and a group officer in charge that can be deployed pretty quickly," he said.
"We may have an aviation asset placed in the Lower Hunter. That may be a contract helicopter on base for immediate deployment.
"Large airtankers will also be stood up over the weekend, which will be on base at Richmond and Dubbo."
Firefighters have previously flagged grass fires as a big concern for the season ahead due to strong growth following solid rainfall.
Inspector Byrne said this had been exacerbated as many farmers in the region had de-stocked during the drought, meaning there was less stock to eat the grass down.
"The conditions could be conducive to grass fires," he said. "This heat will see some of these fuels dry out.
"All our crews are ready and will be able to respond immediately to any calls."
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IN THE NEWS:
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
