Clarence Valley is among several sites on the north coast where fires are currently burning, on a day that is likely to be the most dangerous for bushfires in the region for many years.
While not suffering the Catastrophic fire rating that is causing problems for so many other areas of the state, it has been pronounced Severe.
The BoM predicts, ‘Very hot, dry and windy conditions, up to 50km/hour are expected to continue to move over the northeast of the state resulting in a Severe Fire Danger Rating for northern NSW. A gusty south to southwesterly change will continue to move along the north coast and northern inland areas.’
The RFS warns that any fire that starts today has the potential to destroy lives and homes.
A top temperature of 42 degrees is expected for Grafton today, with 40 for Lismore.
Fires are currently alight in: Woodburn (Gap Road rest area); Smiths Road, Copmanhurst (100 hectares burnt out); Wants Road, Lawrence; Gulf Creek, in Dalmorton State Forest; Pine Tree Ridge Road, Dalmorton (out of control); Boundary Creek Road, Nymboida; Surveyors Creek, Kangaroo Creek (remote and out of control); and Billys Creek, on the western side of the Armidale–Grafton Road.
So far none of these fires is listed as ‘watch and act’. Readers are encouraged to listen to ABC local radio for updated information or check the RFS Major Incidents webpage.
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