FIREFIGHTERS have serious concerns that hot, windy weather predicted over the coming days could lead to more fires across the region.
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Human activity has started four fires in the Canobolas Zone over the last week.
NSW Rural Fire Service duty officer Brett Bowden is pleading with people to be careful.
“Be careful about what you use, especially the use of power tools. It’s so dry and with the wind that’s forecast a fire will get away pretty quickly,” he said.
The 475-hectare fire at Long Point was sparked by fireworks, while fires at Baldry Road, Lucknow and Darby’s Falls were started by grinding/welding equipment and lawnmowers.
“We have some very serious concerns about the danger that might be caused over the next few days,” Mr Bowden said.
Temperatures are expected to soar to 35 degrees today, 34 on Sunday and remain above 30 over the next week.
With wind also predicted, Mr Bowden said crews were concerned not so much about existing fires escaping containment lines but by new ones starting.
He said the region had not received any significant, ongoing rainfall for more than a month and conditions were exceptionally dry.
“There’s no moisture anywhere in our region,” he said.
Mr Bowden said the Long Point and Baldry Road fires were being contained, while fires at Lucknow and Darby’s Falls had been extinguished.
Firefighters will monitor all fires, including one that flared up at Gumble Scrub, south of Cumnock, with hot, windy weather a threat until significant rainfall has been received.
nadine.morton@fairfaxmedia.com.au