As a predicted possibility by the RFS on Wednesday, a Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Far North Coast, North Coast, Greater Hunter, New England, and Northern Slopes regions due to forecast hot and windy conditions.
The Total Fire Ban covers Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and the Tweed in what the RFS says are extreme fire conditions – this means: Homes that are specially designed and constructed to withstand a bush fire, prepared to the highest level and actively defended, may provide safety; residents must follow their Bush Fire Survival Plan and know when to leave, where to go and how you will get there. Know what you will do if you cannot leave; if you have to lea, leaving early in the day is your safest option; and keep informed by listening to local radio, watching television news broadcasts and monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Other locations in the state are also on a total fire ban:
North Coast (Severe) — Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey, Nambucca, Mid-Coast
Greater Hunter (Very High) — Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter
New England (Extreme) — Glen Innes Severn, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha, Armidale
Northern Slopes (Severe) — Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth
Under Severe and Very High fire conditions:
Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during a fire and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and remain vigilant.
Keep informed by listening to local radio, watching television news broadcasts and monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
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