With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees today and the fire danger throughout the region rated as High, the RFS is reminding people that all permits are suspended and they should be on alert for grass fires.
The local RFS has posted the reminder of the new fire danger ratings on Facebook. “Reminder that once the FDR reaches HIGH Fire Permits across the New England are suspended.”
General RFS advice for a HIGH fire danger day is:
- Monitor your fires near me app
- Decide what you will do if a fire starts
- Be ready to activate your Bush Fire Survival Plan if a fire starts in your area
- Call 000 if you see any unattended fire
The RFS is also asking people to be on guard for grass fires as the heat affects a significant proportion of the state. There are already four grassfires already being managed by the RFS in our region: three under control grassfires on rural property near Walcha, Gwabegar and Cattle Creek, and an out of control fire near Mungindi.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast for the Northern Tablelands is for a sunny day, but the chance of a thunderstorm east of the ranges in the late afternoon and evening. Winds west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the morning before shifting south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon and evening. Temperatures throughout the area are consistently in the thirties: Armidale and Glen Innes are both headed for a top of 31, while Inverell is headed for 35.
Forecast is also Sunny for the North West Slopes and Plains, with light winds becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h early in the morning then tending south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h in the morning. Tamworth is expected to reach 36 degrees, while both Moree and Narrabri are heading for 38. The lower areas may also get a thunderstorm on Monday.
Information on active fires is available from the Fires Near Me app or on the RFS website.
Read more about Fire Danger Ratings at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/newfdr
Something going on in your part of the region you think people should know about? Send us a news tip or email newsdesk@netimes.com.au.