A total fire ban has been declared for the entire Hunter on Friday due to the forecast hot, dry and windy conditions.
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The Rural Fire Service has said the fire danger across the Hunter on Friday is ‘very high’ and declared a total fire ban in the Port Stephens, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter local government areas.
“In hot, dry and windy conditions fores can start quickly and spread rapidly and the potential is there for dangerous fire weather to eventuate i the coming weeks,” RFS Lower Hunter Superintendent Martin Siemsen said.
“Under these conditions, fires can spread quickly and threaten lives, property, crops and stock.”
No fires are to be lit in the open and all fire permits have been suspended for Friday.
Superintendent Siemsen said the decision to suspend fire permits had been made to keep the community safe from bush and grass fires.
The total fire ban comes as the temperature in Port Stephens is due to soar into the 30s on Friday.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Nelson Bay can expect a maximum of 31 degrees while Raymond Terrace is set to sizzle with a maximum of 36 degrees on Friday.
Residents are encouraged to have an up-to-date Bush Fire Survival Plan and know what they will do if a fire threatens their property.
For more information on fire danger ratings and total fire bans visit the RFS website.