A severe fire danger rating and total fire ban is in place on the Far South Coast on Thursday, January 23.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Thursday morning, a Far South Coast spokesperson said the weather forecast had deteriorated overnight.
Temperatures would reach a maximum of 37 degrees in Batemans Bay and 34 degrees in Narooma and Bega.
"While we still encourage residents in the southern areas of our forecast district to remain vigilant, it is worth noting that the worst of the weather is expected to occur in the northern half of the Eurobodalla Local Government Area," a spokesperson said.
Wednesday, January 22: Despite recent rainfall, the South Coast is returning to warm, dry and windy conditions which could increase fire activity on Wednesday and Thursday, January 22-23, the Rural Fire Service warns.
The Clyde Mountain and Countegany fires are not yet under control, and RFS says it is important to stay vigilant.
"With this return to warm and windy conditions, we are likely to see increased fire activity," a Far South Coast Rural Fire Service spokesperson said.
"Aerial scans have been undertaken to detect hotspots across the fire grounds and Remote Area Firefighting Teams (RAFT), with aerial assistance of water-bombing aircraft, are continuing to work on those hot spots to contain any future spread of fire.
"Crews have also been direct attacking, where possible to limit the spread of fire and constructing containment line, crews will continuing with these strategies until the fires are contained and blacked out."
The service said to review "triggers" and enact your bushfire survival plan in the lead-up to deteriorating weather days.
"The key point is for residents to understand of trigger points, and how setting trigger points can help them make the right decision at the right time without the constant anxiety associated with indecision," the spokesperson said.
"Trigger points will vary with circumstances, but the key points to understand are how the Fire Danger Rating for a given day and the alert level for a fire can inform your decision making."
Check www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fdr for information on Fire Danger Ratings and www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/alert for information on alert levels.
"Residents in rural or remote areas should review their bush fire survival plan and if they are not prepared to the highest standard or willing to stay and defend, should consider spending the day in more built-up areas with family and friends," the spokesperson said.
"These fires are still not under control, we have experienced a period of easing conditions and had the opportunity to implement our containment strategies.
"We are asking the community to remain vigilant and not allow complacency to set in, as we are yet to see these strategies tested under adverse conditions."
Continue to keep yourselves informed by checking reliable sources:
- Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking NSWRFS website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)
- Understand the Alert level for the Fire and take appropriate actions.
- Monitor local weather conditions at the Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/
- Listen to local radio stations ABC South East NSW is an emergency broadcaster.
- Call the NSW Bush Fire Information Line 1800 679 737