The highest fire danger ratings have been issued for the ACT and areas near Braidwood, Goulburn and the NSW south coast where two major bushfires continue to burn.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued a catastrophic fire danger warning for the Illawarra/Shoalhaven and Southern ranges, while an extreme fire danger rating has been issued in the ACT for tomorrow (Saturday, 21 December).
This includes areas affected by the Currowan fire that has now burned more than 128,000 hectares, and the North Black Range Palerang fire that has burned more than 37,000 hectares as of Friday (20 December).
Areas being warned of a catastrophic fire danger include Braidwood, Queanbeyan and Goulburn, as well as areas affected by the Currowan fire on the NSW south coast.
A severe fire danger warning is also in place for the ACT, Monaro/Alpine region and eastern Riverina.
Important update to #Fire Danger Ratings for tmrw (Sat). #ACT now Extreme. Greater #Sydney, #Illawarra/ Shoalhaven & Southern Ranges now all upgraded to #Catastrophic. Conditions are potentially dangerous https://t.co/xIwhNSlrFg pic.twitter.com/aphGjxAmP7
— Bureau of Meteorology Australian Capital Territory (@BOM_ACT) December 20, 2019
“These conditions are dangerous. Any fire that starts and takes hold will put lives and homes at risk. Get ready now,” the NSW RFS said in its warning issued today.
“You need to start taking action now to be ready.”
High temperatures in the low 40s will be accompanied by strong winds and low humidity making conditions dangerous for increased fire activity.
It follows NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declaring a state of emergency for seven days from yesterday.
To stay up to date on bush fires in your area call the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or check the NSW RFS website. For road reports and updates visit Live Traffic NSW.
Original Article published by Michael Weaver on The RiotACT.