RURAL Fire Service (RFS) crews are urging locals to be fire ready as the temperatures set to sore this weekend.
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is predicting daily maximums between 35 and 38 degrees for Gunnedah from Saturday to Tuesday.
Monday is expected to be Gunnedah’s warmest day reaching a top of 38 degrees and RFS spokesman James Morris said total fire bans for the region were possible.
“We haven’t had a lot of rainfall in the area and things are still very dry,” Mr Morris said.
“With forecasts predicting hot and windy conditions it is possible that total fire bans may be implemented.”
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Mr Morris said there are many steps locals can take to limit the risk of fire.
“Residents need to ensure things like slashing, crop harvesting and hot works such as angle grinding and welding are done safely and follow the necessary fire prevention rules,” he said.
“Having some sort of extinguishing agent such as a fire extinguisher or fire hose handy while doing these things is a really good way of preventing any potential fires.”
Locals have also been urged to have a fire safety plan ready.
“A lot of bushfires start on high fire danger days so it is very important for everyone to have their bushfire survival plan ready,” Mr Morris said.
“It is also important for families to discuss what their plan is if someone isn’t home and at work or at school, often a plan is made on the basis of everyone being at home so it’s important to know what to do if there is some variation.”
Mr Morris said anyone looking to burn off still requires a permit.
“Fire permits are still required during this high danger fire period,” he said.
“The high fire danger period is expected to end on March 31 but it is possible some areas may extend that depending on the conditions.”
The RFS spokesperson said it is also very important for residents to report suspicious activity.
“If people do see something suspicious such as someone throwing a lit cigarette butt out of a car window or someone doing the wrong thing they should contact the RFS,” he said.
“It’s also important for people to take down as much detail as possible such as time, location and details about the activity when safe to do so, not when driving.”
For more information about current fire warnings visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
