A total fire ban has been declared for the Hawkesbury for today due to forecast hot and windy conditions.
The ban, commenced at midnight last night, and covers the following councils:
Greater Sydney Region (Severe) – All Sydney Metro Councils, Blue Mountains, Gosford, Hawkesbury and Wyong
Greater Hunter (Severe) – Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter
Northern Slopes (Severe) – Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains and Tamworth Regional
North Western (Severe) – Moree Plains, Narrabri, Walgett and Warrumbungle.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) provides the following advice.
Under Severe and Very High fire conditions:
Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during a fire
Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and remain vigilant
Keep informed by listening to local radio, watching television news broadcasts and monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended during a Total Fire Ban.
Gas and electric barbecues may be used provided certain conditions are met.
Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas are at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
