EMERGENCY services across the Central West are preparing for hot, dry, windy weather that has increased the fire risk to severe in most of the region, with a total fire ban declared.
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Residents in the Central West will see the mercury rise into the 30s, with Dubbo set to be one of the hottest locations with a top of 36 expected.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has declared the total fire ban to reduce the risk of fires damaging or destroying life, property and the environment.
There is a severe fire risk in the Central Ranges which includes the following council areas: Blayney, Bathurst, Cabonne, Cowra, Lithgow, Mid Western, Oberon and Orange.
While there is a very high fire risk in the Lower Central West Plains, which includes: Bland, Forbes, Lachlan, Narromine, Parkes, Temora, Weddin and Dubbo.
An alert issued at 5am on Tuesday said there would “difficult and dangerous fire conditions across NSW”.
“No fires out in the open. All fire permits are suspended. Don't throw lit cigarette butts,” the alert said.
“Report any unattended fires quickly to triple-0.”
During a total fire ban, no fire may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended.
This includes incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel such as wood, charcoal or heat beads.
No general purpose welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting can be done in the open.