A TOTAL fire ban has been declared for today with a severe fire danger rating in place and scorching weather set to continue.
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The mercury is set to soar over the next few days, with a top of 33 predicted today, 35 tomorrow and 38 on Sunday.
Until midnight today, open fires are banned, as are any activities in the open that are likely to cause a fire.
No general purpose hot works such as using tractors, slashers and/or welding, grinding or gas cutting can be done in the open either, and this includes incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel including wood and charcoal.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Chifley Zone fire mitigation officer Rebecca Phillips yesterday said the region had begun “drying out” in recent weeks.
“Curing [of grasslands] has definitely accelerated in the last 10 days ... rather than having the green buffer, it’s fast disappearing,” she said.
So far this month only 16.0mm of rain have fallen across the Bathurst region, way below the long term monthly average of 61.1mm.
Spring has also been dry for Bathurst, with 96.1mm of rain recorded in a season that usually receives 167.3mm.
Ms Phillips said human activity was often a contributing factor behind many fires, and she has urged people to take care during today’s severe fire danger rating.
“The air moisture content is low and the fuel moisture content is low, and if there was a source of ignition the fuel is more likely to burn,” she said.
“If you do accidentally start a fire or see a fire, call triple-0. That’s the quickest way to get help.”
Ms Phillips urged the public to create a Bush Fire Survival Plan to help protect the lives of their family.
The plan is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare or via the My Fire Plan smartphone app, and details ways to prepare yourself and your home.