NSW: Fire ban across much of NSW ahead of soaring temperatures
19 Jan 2009 6:05 PM
SYDNEY, Jan 19 AAP - A total fire ban has been declared for much of NSW on Tuesday with temperatures expected to soar into the high 30s this week across most of the state.
The ban on lighting fires in the open will apply for 24 hours from midnight, in the eastern, southern and northern Riverina, and south-western regions of the state.
About 100 firefighters worked over the weekend to secure hotspots in NSW ahead of the predicted high temperatures, which are expected to last until the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a mix of hot, dry conditions and thunderstorms for the southwest of the state, with Griffith and Deniliquin expecting a maximum of 40 degrees on Tuesday and 37 on Wednesday.
In the far west, Ivanhoe is expected to reach a sizzling 43 on Tuesday with Broken Hill tipped to reach 39 before the weather cools down a couple of degrees on Thursday.
In Sydney, sea breezes will keep temperatures to the high 20s and low 30s for much of the week, but the west is expected to reach up to 36 on Tuesday before climbing to 39 by Saturday.
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has issued warnings to people in bushfire-prone areas to secure their homes and decide in advance if they are going stay and fight, or get out early if their homes come under threat.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has warned homeowners to remove natural and man-made flammable materials from gutters, gardens and other parts of properties.
Residents can visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au to learn about developing their own bushfire plan.
