HEATWAVE conditions, severe fire danger and a total fire ban kept Bathurst’s firefighters on high alert with a number of incidents across the weekend.
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The mercury soared to a top of 36.1 degrees on Saturday and 37 on Sunday, with the city recording it hottest week in three years.
The hot, windy weather led to a number of fires igniting across the Bathurst region.
Emergency services were called to glider crash near the Piper’s Airfield just before 1pm on Sunday that sparked a three hectare grass fire (see page one).
The crash killed the 75-year-old male pilot who was the only occupant in the glider.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighters had two call outs on Saturday, the first was to a two hectare grass fire on private property near Vittoria.
Eglinton RFS Brigade Deputy Captain Nathan Inwood said the emergency call was received just after 10am.
“Eglinton, along with Bathurst, Perthville and Rock Forrest brigades, were called to the blaze, and despite the conditions of the day were able to bring it under control relatively quickly,” he said.
“No property was damaged at this incident.”
Then, at 2.30pm on Saturday firefighters were called to a blaze in Black Springs.
It’s the hottest week since 2014.
- Weatherzone meteorologist Joel Pippard
“Eglinton was called to respond breathing apparatus operators to the fire, as a number of items such as tires were on fire, and giving off toxic smoke,” Deputy Captain Inwood said.
“A number of farm items were destroyed by the fire.”
On Monday, Bathurst will enter its fourth consecutive day with a severe fire danger rating and total fire ban, with the mercury set to soar to a top of 38 degrees.
Weatherzone meteorologist Joel Pippard said Bathurst had recorded its “hottest week since 2014”.
Looking ahead, he said hot weather was predicted to continue, however, afternoon thunderstorms from Wednesday will bring some relief.
“From Thursday, it’ll cool down to low 30s, so there’s not much long-term relief,” Mr Pippard said.
Meanwhile, Louise O’Brien from WIRES Central West said while flying foxes can be very susceptible to hot temperatures, the colony living in Machattie Park appeared to be coping well during the heatwave.
“They’re hot, but none are showing signs of heat street,” she said.
If you do see a flying fox in distress, do not touch it, and call WIRES on 1300 094 737.