The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) has suspended all fire permits issued in the Port Macquarie-Hastings, Taree-Manning and Great Lake regions.
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Mid Coast RFS District Manager Superintendent Kam Baker from the NSW RFS Mid Coast said forecast higher temperatures and strong winds over the coming week will increase the fire risk to communities on the Mid North Coast.
Temperatures are predicted in the high 30s, with no significant rain forecast in these areas which are already extremely dry, particularly along the coastal strip.
RFS crew along with Fire and Rescue NSW teams with aerial waterbombing support have already had a testing start to the year after a large coastal bushfire ripped through parts of Christmas Bells Plains along Ocean Drive on December 31.
The blaze, which is believed to have started from a car fire on Elkhorn Trail south of Port Macquarie, burned more than 90 hectares and took 70 firefighting personnel to bring under control.
“Under these conditions, residents can play an important role in preventing fires from occurring. The suspension of permits will be in place until weather conditions improve,” Supt Baker said.
“The NSWRFS appreciates the cooperation of residents on days of heightened fire danger”
Information on the current Fire Danger Ratings can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fdr or on the Mid Coast RFS Facebook page.
