The NSW Rural Fire Service is urging residents in central and eastern NSW to prepare themselves and their property, with increased fire danger conditions forecast for this weekend.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 39 degrees for Wollongong and Albion Park on Sunday, with westerly and northwesterly winds.
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said firefighters and other emergency services personnel would be on standby in expectation of Very High to Severe fire danger.
“The forecast conditions will elevate the risk of fire and Total Fire Bans are likely to be declared for some areas, so I urge landholders, homeowners, businesses and travelers to consider how they will be impacted and start preparing now,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“While recent rainfall provided firefighters with some respite, the prevailing hot and dry conditions experienced throughout summer prevented much of it from soaking into the landscape.”
Meantime surf conditions for the next few days are also expected to be powerful and may be hazardous to coastal activities like rock fishing and swimming.
The NSW RFS recommends people living in bush fire prone areas:
- Make or review your bush fire survival plan – decide now what you’ll do if a fire starts close by
- Check local fire danger – look out for the roadside signs and know the fire danger rating
- Stay up to date on fires in your area – proactively check the NSW RFS website or the Fires Near Me app for fires in your area on days of heightened danger.