Susanna Freymark
It’s going to be hot tomorrow, Tuesday, October 31 and despite the brief relief bought by rain in the past days, the heat could hinder firefighters.
There are 80 fires burning across the state – 35 fires are not yet contained.
The temperatures are set to rise to 37 degrees in Tabulam and Kyogle and up to 38 degrees in Casino.
The fire burning at Ogilvie Drive, Tabulam was at a Watch and Act alert level most of the day. It was downgraded to Advice level at 7.15pm tonight.
The fire is burning in an easterly direction towards isolated properties in the vicinity of Plains Station Road and has so far burned 65 hectares.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate tomorrow under a forecast of Extreme fire danger. Westerly winds will push the fire in an easterly direction towards the Clarence River and Clarence Way.
Near Drake, the Rocky River Road fire has been burning for more than a week and has burned 1656 hectares.
There is a lot of smoke in the atmosphere near Woodenbong and Urbenville areas too coming from fires in Queensland and the Tenterfield regions.
NSW RFS has issued advice for those near the fire zone.
● Fill buckets, sinks and bath tubs with water ready to put out spot fires
● Block downpipes and fill your gutters with water to help stop burning embers. Do not get on the roof.
● Remove items which can burn from around your home, such as furniture and door mats.
● If you have firefighting equipment, get it ready now.
● Put on protective clothing made of natural fibres that covers all of your skin. Wear sturdy shoes. Have plenty of drinking water available.
● If you are not prepared, your safest option is to leave early.
● Stay up to date and know what you will do if fire threatens.
● If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
● Bring pets indoors and restrain them, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners, keep water running if possible.
● Shelter in a room on the other side of the building from the approaching fire, and one that has water and a clear exit out of the house.
● Keep moving away from the fire if possible and if your building catches fire, go to an area within the building which has already burnt.
● Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers and turn sprinklers on if you have them.
● Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero.
Stay up to date with the state of the fires here or call the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
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