The New South Wales RFS have declared a Total Fire Ban for the Far North Coast and North Western regions today, Monday 23 November, owing to forecast hot and windy conditions.
The Total Fire Ban, commenced at midnight tonight and covers the Far North Coast (Severe) — Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Tweed, and the North Western region (Severe) — Moree Plains, Narrabri, Walgett, Warrumbungle.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) provides the following advice:
Under Severe and Very High fire conditions:
Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during a fire. Residents are advised to 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.
Please note: The NSW RFS may issue a Harvest Safety Alert for areas of heightened risk. Harvest operators should monitor conditions and regularly check that they are operating within guidelines.
No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended during a Total Fire Ban. Gas and electric barbeques may be used provided certain conditions are met. Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas are listed at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
