The Rural Fire Service (RFS) operating in the Kempsey Shire could be looking at another day of challenging conditions as they try to keep the Carrai East inferno to the north-west contained.
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Dry westerly winds are being predicted up to 80km/h this afternoon, and with the already dry conditions, there is potential for the situation to deteriorate.
"The continued dry weather and immense winds will make our tasks more difficult, and residents need to remain vigilant," Lower North Coast Rural Fire Service Superintendent Lachlann Ison said.
"Our firefighters have been dealing with challenging conditions, but today, in particular, the winds have the potential to spread fires beyond containment lines."
The Macleay recently saw a minor downpour, but Supt Ison believes there needs to be a lot more rain before it makes any difference to fire conditions.
"During the recent storm front we have had a series of lightning strikes, and the winds are problematic because they can flare them to life, and reignite anything that's smoldering," he said.
"I think we'd need to see at least 50ml before it would make a difference."
Summer has only just started, but NSW has already faced one of its most challenging starts to bush fire season on record, with lives lost, homes destroyed and millions of hectares of land burnt. So far across the state, there has been:
- 7,300 bush and grass fires
- 2,000,000 hectares of land burnt
- 673 homes destroyed
- 1,400 other buildings destroyed
- 6 human lives lost
- Countless wildlife and habitats destroyed.
Everyone is reminded to stay vigilant and report any signs of fire immediately.
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679-737.
- If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
- For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.
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