NSW: Total fire ban for Christmas Eve

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2005
NSW: Total fire ban for Christmas Eve

SYDNEY, Dec 24 AAP - Firefighters are bracing for conditions to worsen in NSW today
as scorching temperatures and strong winds force a total fire ban across the state.

Extreme fire danger is current nationwide, with total bans in Victoria and NSW as the
mercury skyrockets towards 40 degrees celsius.

Christmas Eve promises shocking conditions, with high temperatures and low humidity,
ahead of a change which is expected to bring winds of up to 90 kph.

The NSW Fire Brigade has warned residents to be ready for any bushfire threat, particularly
in the Hunter Valley.

"I urge all homeowners in urban areas near bushland in the Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra,
Blue Mountains and central coast areas to take the time to ensure they are prepared,"

Commissioner Greg Mullins said yesterday.

About 25 fires in NSW were brought under control on Thursday afternoon, including a
large blaze at Allambie Heights, on Sydney's northern beaches.

About 1,000 hectares of bush were destroyed in a fire at Condobolin, in the state's
central west, while a 407 hectare blaze at Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, was brought
under control.

NSW RFS Commissioner Phil Koperberg has declared a total fire ban for the state until
midnight tonight (Saturday), with the central and far west, and northern Riverina of most
concern.

AAP tr/cjh

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRE NSW DAYLEAD

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