Hawkesbury residents are being urged to prepare their properties and reconsider travel through bushland as dangerous fire conditions develop across Greater Sydney.
A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Hawkesbury Local Government Area on Saturday, September 5, with the NSW Rural Fire Service forecasting an Extreme fire danger rating across the Greater Sydney region.
Hawkesbury is among the council areas covered by the declaration, which prohibits residents from lighting fires outdoors or undertaking activities likely to start a fire.
The RFS advises people in an area facing Extreme fire danger to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their property.
Residents should review their bushfire survival plans, ensure they know when and where they will leave and avoid unnecessary travel through bushland during the most dangerous conditions.
People whose properties are not prepared to the highest level should plan to leave early rather than wait for a fire to approach.
The declaration is particularly important for the Hawkesbury, where extensive bushland, rural properties, isolated roads and limited evacuation routes can make communities vulnerable when fires spread rapidly.
What a total fire ban means
Under the Total Fire Ban, residents must not light, maintain or use a fire in the open. Fire permits are suspended for the duration of the ban.
Outdoor work capable of producing flames or sparksincluding welding, grinding and gas cuttingis also prohibited unless specifically exempted.
Wood-fired and solid-fuel barbecues, pizza ovens, smokers and appliances using charcoal or heat beads must not be used outdoors.
Gas and electric barbecues may be used in limited circumstances, provided they are under the direct control of a responsible adult, have no combustible material within two metres and meet the other safety requirements imposed by the RFS.
A gas barbecue must also have a continuous supply of water available and be located within 20 metres of a permanent private dwelling or in an approved designated picnic area.
The RFS says residents should reconsider whether using any outdoor barbecue is appropriate during dangerous fire weather, even when its use may technically be permitted.
Fines apply
Lighting a fire during a Total Fire Ban can attract an on-the-spot fine of $2,200. A person convicted in court can face a fine of up to $5,500, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
Significantly higher penalties can apply when an escaped fire damages property, threatens lives or harms the environment.
The Hawkesbury’s fire danger rating was Moderate on Friday and is presently forecast to return to Moderate on Sunday. However, ratings and weather conditions can change, and residents should continue monitoring official warnings.
Any unattended fire should be reported immediately by calling Triple Zero.
Current fire danger ratings, Total Fire Ban declarations and restrictions are available from the NSW Rural Fire Service. Detailed information about activities permitted during a ban can be found in the RFS Total Fire Ban rules.
Residents should also monitor the Hazards Near Me app and local emergency broadcasts throughout Saturday.
