Dozens of public schools across New South Wales have been shut down on Wednesday as authorities brace for severe and catastrophic fire conditions across large parts of the state.
Catastrophic Warnings Issued
The NSW Department of Education has taken the significant step of closing 25 schools as a precautionary measure. This decisive action coincides with sweeping total fire bans declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The fire danger rating is set to soar alongside the temperature, creating extremely hazardous conditions. Residents in the Lower Central West Plains region are facing a catastrophic fire danger rating. This area includes the local government areas of Bland, Forbes, Lachlan, Narromine, Parkes, Temora, Weddin and Dubbo.
Urgent Safety Advice from Fire Authorities
The NSW RFS has issued a stark warning to communities in the path of the dangerous conditions. They have emphasised that resident safety is paramount.
Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire, the service stated. They are strongly advising people in high-risk areas to go to a safer location early in the morning or the night before.
The fire service further warned that if residents wait, they may find themselves in a situation where they are unable to leave and emergency help may not be available to them.
List of Closed Schools
The following public schools have been closed by the Department of Education for the day due to the extreme fire threat:
- Ariah Park Central School
- Barellan Central School
- Bedgerabong Public School
- Binya Public School
- Bogan Gate Public School
- Boree Creek Public School
- Caragabal Public School
- Ganmain Public School
- Greenethorpe Public School
- Lake Wyangan Public School
- Lowesdale Public School
- Marrar Public School
- Matong Public School
- Naradhan Public School
- Narrandera East Infants School
- Narrandera High School
- Pleasant Hills Public School
- Tallimba Public School
- Tharbogang Public School
- The Rock Central School
- Ungarie Central School
- Wamoon Public School
- Weethalle Public School
- Whitton-Murrami Public School
- Yerong Creek Public School
The widespread closures highlight the seriousness of the fire threat facing regional NSW. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging all residents to stay informed and prioritise their safety above all else.
