Parks remain closed with total fire ban today

A STATE wide total fire ban has been declared for today (Saturday) due to forecast hot, dry and windy conditions.

Although a southerly change and heavy cloud cover has kept temperatures down, the Royal National Park will remain closed. The total fire ban will remain in place until midnight January 12. The Bureau of Meteorology has advised some parts of NSW will have an extreme fire danger rating.

The NSW Rural Fire Service advises that in these conditions:

• Fires will likely be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving with flames in the tree tops, and higher than roof tops.
• Thousands of embers will be blown around and into homes causing other fires to start and spread quickly up to 6km ahead of the main fire.
• People should report any unattended fires to triple zero.

On a day of total fire ban, there is a ban on any fires out in the open. A gas or electric barbeque is allowed, but only if:

• It is on a residential property within 20m of the house or dwelling
• It is in a picnic area and approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest
• It is under the direct control of a responsible adult
• The ground around the barbecue is cleared for 2m of all material that can burn
• You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.

Learn about Total Fire Ban rules here.