Hunter residents are urged to prepare for increased fire danger this week, with hot and dry weather set to return from Thursday onwards.
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The Bureau of Meteorology predicts temperatures will soar across the Hunter region this week, peaking on Monday with tops of 43 in Cessnock and Maitland, 44 in Singleton, Muswellbrook and Scone, and 43 at Tocal.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said some areas of the state were likely to experience severe fire danger on Friday, with hot and dry conditions to persist across the weekend.
“Temperatures will reach the mid-40s in a number of areas and the Bureau of Meteorology forecast indicates there is little relief in sight, with little to no rain forecast during the coming hot spell,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“The forecast heatwave 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 holidaymakers to consider how they will be impacted and begin making their preparations today.”
The NSW RFS recommends people living in bushfire-prone areas make or review their bushfire survival plans (decide now what you will do if a fire starts near you); check the fire danger for their area )look out for the roadside signs and know the fire danger rating); and stay up-to-date on fires in their area by checking the NSW RFS website or the Fires Near Me app.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said while NSW RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Corporation of NSW firefighters were ready to respond, the community needed to play its part to help prevent and minimise the impact of bush and grass fires.
“We have seen in the past few days fires, like the one at Port Stephens, spread quickly and threaten communities with little warning,” he said.
“Preparation is the key and we need families and households to make and discuss their bush fire survival plan so everyone knows what they need to do in the event that a fire threatens.”
Anyone who sees an unattended fire should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Visit www.myfireplan.com.au for simple tips on getting ready for this bush fire season.
Stay tuned to the RFS’s Fires Near Me page for up-to-date fire information.
THIS WEEK’S FORECAST
CESSNOCK
- Thursday, 33
- Friday, 36
- Saturday, 36
- Sunday, 37
- Monday, 40
- Tuesday, 33
MAITLAND
- Thursday, 33
- Friday, 36
- Saturday, 36
- Sunday, 37
- Monday, 40
- Tuesday, 33
DUNGOG/TOCAL
- Thursday, 33
- Friday, 36
- Saturday, 37
- Sunday, 37
- Monday, 43
- Tuesday, 32
SINGLETON/MUSWELLBROOK/JERRYS PLAINS
- Thursday, 35
- Friday, 38
- Saturday, 38
- Sunday, 39
- Monday, 41
- Tuesday, 37
SCONE
- Thursday, 37
- Friday, 39
- Saturday, 40
- Sunday, 41
- Monday, 41
- Tuesday, 41