“Severe fire danger” prompts total fire ban for northern NSW
A total fire ban has been declared for northern NSW today, with hot, dry and windy conditions forecast.
New England has been issued with a Severe Fire Danger rating, with number of other areas including the Far North Coast, North Coast, Northern Slopes facing Very High Fire Danger conditions, prompting authorities to issue the fire ban.
It came into place at midnight and includes the Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shires.
Neighbouring areas including the Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Lismore and Clarence Valley Shires, are also included in the ban.
A drop in forecast wind speed will see a slight reduction in fire dangers for #NSW today. Broad areas of Very High Fire danger expected with Severe fire danger in the New England. Six (6) total fire bans are now in force. #NSWRFS https://t.co/oTrzctQ6fh pic.twitter.com/nPlfOYUa5C
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 16, 2019
During a Total Fire Ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.
General purpose hot works such as welding, grinding or gas cutting, or any activity that produces a spark or flame are also not to be done in the open.
