The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued the first total fire bans of the season, just seven days into spring, as high temperatures and strong north-westerly winds create dangerous fire conditions across central parts of the state.
An extreme fire danger rating is in place for the Upper Central West Plains, covering the Bogan, Coonamble, Gilgandra and Warren council areas, where a total fire ban is in effect. Additionally, total fire bans and high fire danger ratings apply to the North and South Western zones.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 33 degrees Celsius in Nyngan and Coonamble, 34C in Walgett and 25C in Balranald. The combination of heat and dry north to north-westerly winds is expected to elevate fire risks, though rainfall and thunderstorms are predicted for most parts of the state later in the evening.
The bushfire danger period began on Friday for 32 local government areas across NSW, nearly a month earlier than usual, due to persistent dry conditions. Residents under extreme fire ratings are urged to take immediate action to protect their properties.
Greg Cassidy, acting district manager for the RFS North-Western zone, warned that abundant grass growth from recent wet spells and flooding, coupled with a hot spring, has increased fuel loads. He urged residents to prepare bushfire and farm fire plans and to reconsider travel through high-risk areas.
Farmers and machinery operators are advised to avoid using vehicles in paddocks with high fuel loads, as many fires start from all-terrain vehicles, motorbikes and cars parking in long grass.
