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Catastrophic Fire Danger in parts of NSW
Posted: 19/11/2009NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has issued a warning to residents about the need to be prepared for bush fires, with extensive total fire bans and some parts of the state experiencing a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating on Friday 20 November.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said based on latest predictions from the Bureau Of Meteorology,the Lower Central West Plains, Southern Riverina, Northern Riverina, South Western and Far Western areas will experience a Catastrophic fire danger tomorrow (Friday).
Total Fire Bans have been declared in the following Fire Areas until midnight tomorrow night, due to expected hot and dry conditions.
- Greater Sydney (including the Central Coast and Blue Mountains) – Severe
- Upper Central West Plains - Extreme
- Lower Central West Plains – Catastrophic
- Greater Hunter – Severe
- Southern Slopes – Extreme
- Monaro Alpine – Severe
- Eastern Riverina – Extreme
- Southern Ranges – Severe
- Southern Riverina – Catastrophic
- Central Ranges – Severe
- Northern Riverina – Catastrophic
- Northern Slopes – Severe
- South Western – Catastrophic
- North Western – Severe
- Far Western – Catastrophic
Additional Total Fire Bans have been declared as of 1:30pm in the following areas:
- Illawarra / Shoalhaven
- Far South Coast
“People living in areas where a Catastrophic fire danger rating is forecast should ensure they avoid being in bush fire prone areas tomorrow (Friday),” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“This is not a call for alarm or panic. Simply, if you live in these areas, plan activities away from a bush fire prone area, such as going to a friend’s house, a shopping centre or into town,” he
said.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said in those areas with a fire danger rating of Catastrophic, even homes which are specially designed and constructed to withstand a bush fire, and are properly prepared, may not be safe during a fire.
“Under these conditions any fire that starts and takes hold will typically be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Embers will be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires that will move quickly and may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front.
“If you are in a bush fire prone area under a Catastrophic rating, the safest option is leaving early, such as tomorrow morning. People in these areas need to be on the highest state of alert and be prepared.
“Rural land holders across the State have already shown great responsibility and diligence by restricting practices such as harvesting and agricultural activities in recent days.
“These types of restrictions will become even more important during this period of elevated fire danger.
“No matter where you live, no matter what the fire danger, now is not the time for complacency, but planned and considered action,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
A map of affected areas, including centres under a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, can be found here.
For further information or interviews, please contact the RFS State Duty Media Officer on (02) 9898 1855.
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Catastrophic fire danger in parts of NSW
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