Warm weather and gusty winds have signaled a very high fire danger for the south coast on Friday, with a total fire ban declared for much of the state.
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During a total fire ban it is illegal to 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.
The Illawarra and Shoalhaven are included in the total fire ban – along with the Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, Monaro Alpine, Southern Ranges, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes, North Western, Lower Central West Plains, Southern Slopes, Eastern Riverina, Southern Riverina, and Northern Riverina regions.
Wollongong is expecting a top of 29 degrees for Friday, a top of 35 for Albion Park. Northerly winds are forecast, tending northeasterly up to 30 km/h in the afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the wind to pick up on Saturday with gusts up to 40 km/h.
“Extreme temperatures have started to negate the effects of recent rainfall, as such we must not be complacent and ensure that we are prepared for the risk of bush and grass fires” said Rural Fire Service Illawarra Zone Manager Superintendent Greg Wardle.
NSW Police and Surf Life Saving have appealed for the public not to take risks when trying to keep cool.
“Members of the public are being asked to take extra care, especially when swimming; whether at the beach, pools or in rivers,” a spokesperson said.
“Motorists are also being reminded that it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly.”
Meantime, Endeavour Energy has cancelled maintenance on its electricity network in the Wollondilly area for Friday.