Yesterday Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews were working hard to contain a fire burning close to a pine plantation south of Mount Canobolas in Orange.

Acting community safety officer for the Orana team Paul Whitely said crews were working to put in containment lines in order to control the blaze.

“Because is it located behind a large pine plantation there is a lot of risk,” he said.

“It is important to get it behind these containment lines before the weather deteriorates.”

Yesterday afternoon Mr Whitely said fixed-wing water bombers and helicopters had been brought in.

“At this stage crews are very happy with the way it is going and the wind is not as bad as expected,” he said.

Officer Whitely said the very high to extreme fire danger weather was expected to remain throughout the week.

“Extreme fire danger is when the fire danger index exceeds 100,” he said.

“Whether or not there will be a total fire ban for the rest of week is not known because it is an assessment that is made by the commissioner on a 24-hour basis.”

On extreme fire weather days he encourages all residents to be prepared and have a fire plan in place.

“This year and in the past few years with the drought and the dry winters the bushfire seasons have been starting in a dangerous period because of the moisture deficit,” he said.

“Another big problem is the relative humidity being so low, it once again makes everything so much drier and so much easier to light a fire.”

According to weatherzone.com.au Dubbo’s maximum temperatures are expected to reach the high 30s for the remainder of the week.

lucy.rowles@ruralpress.co m