A HIGH fire danger warning is in place across areas of Western NSW as summer temperatures start to soar.
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The Fire Danger Rating for the Lower Central Plains Fire Area today is rated 'Very High', meaning all fire permits across Local Government Areas (LGA's) in the area are suspended.
LGA's in this region include:
- Bland
- Dubbo
- Forbes
- Lachlan
- Narromine
- Parkes
- Temora
- Weddin
Despite a cooler than normal start to summer, temperatures this week have constantly been above 30 degrees across the region and are set to remain that way until the weekend with moderate to strong winds adding to bush fire concerns.
Temperatures today and tomorrow will see Dubbo reach 38 degrees followed by 34, Forbes 39 and 33 degrees, Parkes 38 and 32 degrees, Grenfell 35 and 31 degrees and Narromine 38 and 34 degrees respectively.
District Services Officer for the NSW RFS Orana Team, Peter Fothergill, said that it was important for people to be prepared and follow RFS advice.
"People just need to be vigilant and aware of what can happen," he said.
"Anyone with a fire permit should be aware it is suspended for today and most likely tomorrow, although you can apply for a permit for a future day.
"All current fires such as open pile burns and stubble burns must be extinguished.
"Small fires such as cooking fires and enclosed fire pits are allowed, however they must be in reach of a constant water source and supervised at all times.
Mr Fothergill said that anyone contemplating work involving a fire risk should postpone until a more suitable day.
"Anyone welding or grinding and those types of activities should reconsider the need to do so.
"The same goes for anyone mowing or slashing where if it needs to be done, try to do it in the cooler parts of the day and make sure all equipment is clean and maintained.
Summer storms also continue to increase fire risk with lightning strikes starting a number of grass fires.
Earlier in the week lightning strikes started a fire in a stubble paddock at Piney Range near Grenfell.
The fire burnt out approximately 202 hectares before being controlled and extinguished.
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