Total Fire Ban declared for 20 October as hot and windy weather strikes

The Total Fire Ban will remain in place until midnight, 20 October 2012 and covers the following fire weather areas:

• Far North Coast - Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed
• North Coast - Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Gloucester, Great Lakes, Greater Taree, Hastings,   Kempsey, Nambucca
• Greater Hunter - Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter * North Western - Moree Plains, Narrabri, Walgett, Warrumbungle
• Northern Slopes - Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth Regional
• New England - Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Glen Innes/Severn, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha

Under these conditions, fires can be fast moving and threaten properties with little warning.

People should report any unattended fires to Triple Zero.

On a day of Total Fire Ban, there is a ban on any fires out in the open.

A gas or electric barbeque is allowed, but only if:

• It is on a residential property within 20 metres of the house or dwelling
• It is in a picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest
• It is under the direct control of a responsible adult
• The ground around the barbecue is cleared for 2 metres of all material that can burn
• You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.

Full details on Total Fire Ban rules are available here