ON THE BALL: NSW Rural Fire Service personnel Margaret Livermore, Liz Lewis and Diane Tucker were on duty in the control centre helping to organise crews at the huge Long Point fire yesterday. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0103rfs3
HOT, windy weather predicted for the next week has firefighters warning the Orange community to be vigilant in any activity that might cause a fire.
Temperatures are set to soar over the coming days, with 31 predicted today and 34 tomorrow.
The mercury is set to stay above 30 degrees until next Wednesday.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Canobolas Zone manager David Hoadley said people needed to take extra care when undertaking certain activities.
“No welding or grinding, particularly in the open as it can be dangerous,” he said.
“If you’re mowing or slashing do it in the earlier part of the day when conditions are better.”
Mr Hoadley said Tuesday’s fire at Lucknow started when sparks from welding equipment ignited nearby grass.
With the bushfire season continuing until March 31, Mr Hoadley said penalties were harsh for those who failed to get a permit before lighting a fire.
“People should not ring up and expect a permit at this stage, they’re likely to be refused because it’s so dangerous,” he said.
With RFS resources already stretched due to the Long Point fire north of Orange, Mr Hoadley warned residents to be careful.
“Be aware of illegal activities, it is proven this Long Point fire was lit by illegal activity. The impact of activities like this show how a supposedly minor activity for someone has gone wrong and had such a big impact on the community,” he said.
“There are considerable fines for people who breach the law ... the police take these matters very seriously.”
Mr Hoadley is thankful the fire, which is now covers 475 hectares, happened in an isolated area rather than closer to Orange.
For information on burn permits contact your local brigade or the Canobolas Fire Control Office on 6363 6666.