TAMWORTH Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews are bracing themselves for a tough week ahead, as the first heatwave of the year approaches.
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With temperatures expected to soar to 40 degrees this weekend, the dry conditions have fire officials at the ready.
It’s been a busy start to the year for fire crews with large fires burning to the North West of Tamworth.
As of Tuesday afternoon, a blaze at Pretty Gully, Warrabah had already burnt out 2700 hectares of land and was being controlled by National Parks and Wildlife staff.
A fire that had burnt out almost 2000 hectares near Watsons Creek was also being controlled. Aircraft work in the area were temporarily suspended on Tuesday due to a para-glider entering the area for a short time.
Tamworth RFS Superintendent Allyn Purkiss said weekend rain did little to help.
“We didn’t get a lot of rain on the fire ground, and due to it being so dry, it didn’t really help,” he said.
“Looking at our ratings system this week, it is looking to be either a high or very high fire danger this week.”