A TOTAL fire ban has been declared in the Hawkesbury and much of NSW by the Rural Fire Service for Wednesday, February 14.
NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said weather conditionsmeant a ‘Severe” fire risk would be declared across much of the state, including the Hawkesbury.
“Already this summer we have seen record-breaking temperatures in many areas,” he said.
“This week we will see strong south westerly to westerly winds develop and coupled with the heat we’ve already experienced, the landscape is very susceptible to fire.”
The RFS is currently battling a huge blaze at Mount Canobolas, near Orange. ‘Nancy Bird’ the RFS Very Large Air Tanker, which is stationed at Richmond RAAF Base, has been helping to fight the fire.
Mr Fitzsimmons said many people in bush fire prone areas -which the Hawkesbury has an abundance of – were unprepared for what they would do in the event of a bush fire.
“It’s so important that landholders, homeowners, businesses and travellers seriously consider how they could be impacted and start planning now,” he said.
“Use today and tonight to have a discussion about what you will do if a fire starts near you, so everyone in your household knows your bush fire survival plan.
“With many parents back at work and kids at school, people need to consider what to do if fire threatens when the family is separated.”
For total fire ban information visit the NSW RFS website.