Residents urged to prepare for increased fire danger this weekend

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said firefighters and other emergency services personnel would be on standby in expectation of Very High to Severe fire danger across central and eastern NSW on Sunday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast temperatures in the mid to high 30s across the state on Sunday with strong winds ranging between 30-60km/h.

Very High fire danger is expected on Saturday in the state’s eastern regions, including the Hunter and Greater Sydney regions, with temperatures forecast in the low to mid 30s.

“The forecast conditions will elevate the risk of fire and Total Fire Bans are likely to be declared for some areas, so I urge landholders, homeowners, businesses and travelers to consider how they will be impacted and start preparing now,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“While recent rainfall provided firefighters with some respite, the prevailing hot and dry conditions experienced throughout summer prevented much of it from soaking into the landscape.

“That’s why it is important that you have a discussion about what you will do if a fire starts near you, so that everyone in your household knows your bush fire survival plan.”

The NSW RFS recommends people living in bush fire prone areas:

• Make or review your bush fire survival plan – decide now what you’ll do if a fire starts close by
• Check local fire danger – look out for the roadside signs and know the fire danger rating
• Stay up to date on fires in your area – proactively check the NSW RFS website or the Fires Near Me app for fires in your area on days of heightened danger.

Anyone who sees an unattended fire should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.