Hawkesbury residents have been reminded that a total fire ban remains in place today (Wednesday) despite improved weather conditions.
Catastrophic fire danger was recorded in the Greater Sydney region yesterday, which includes the Hawkesbury Local Government Area (LGA), and while conditions have eased a NSW Police statement said a large number of fires were still burning throughout the state and urged residents to stay up to date on fires in the area.
A total fire ban remains in place for the whole of NSW today, meaning no fires are allowed out in the open.
"During a total fire ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or to carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire," an RFS statement said.
"General purpose hot works such as welding, grinding or gas cutting or any activity that produces a spark or flame, are not to be done in the open.
"The NSW RFS strongly recommends you reconsider activities such as such using a tractor or slashing, to help reduce the chance of a fire starting on your property."
Police and the NSW Rural Fire Service thanked the community for taking warnings seriously during yesterday's dangerous bush fire conditions.
Hundreds of schools across the state closed due to yesterday's dangerous conditions, however Hawkesbury schools have re-opened today. To check on the status of schools, go to education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety.
To stay up to date on fires in the area, download the 'Fires Near Me' app: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me
To keep up-to-date with major fire updates, visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/major-fire-updates
All national parks, including tracks, trails and campgrounds in Greater Sydney have closed from yesterday until further notice. A full list of the closures is available at https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list
Additional road closures are very likely, so check with http://m.livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au/Search.aspx before travelling through any National Park and generally avoid driving in any bushland.
Anyone who sees suspicious or illegal behaviour is urged to contact police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
