A very high fire danger rating is also in place on Friday for the following areas: Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Oberon and Orange.

Warm temperatures are predicted across this region on Friday with Cowra to reach a top of 29 degrees, with the mercury to be warm in Mudgee (27), Oberon (24), Bathurst (23), Lithgow (22) and Orange (21).

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NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) operational officer Brett Taylor said the decision to suspend fire permits had been made in order to help keep the local community safe from bush and grass fires.

“In hot, dry and windy conditions fires can start quickly and spread rapidly and the potential is there for dangerous fire weather to eventuate in the coming weeks,” he said.

“Just one spark from a planned hazard reduction can cause a fire to spread and threaten life and property.

“While fire permits have been suspended, we encourage residents to undertake other activities to protect their property from fire, such as clearing leaves from their gutters and removing flammable materials from around their homes.”

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Serious penalties, including fines and/or imprisonment, apply for starting a fire without a permit during the Bushfire Danger Period.

Permits may be authorised in exceptional circumstances, such as public safety or essential business works. To request an exemption, contact the Chifley / Lithgow Team Fire Control Centre.

For further information on how you can protect your property, or to download a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or call the Chifley/Lithgow Team Fire Control Centre on 1300 258 737.

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