URGENT UPDATE: A serious fire threat looms over the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) as the Rural Fire Service (RFS) warns residents to prepare for heightened grass fire risks. Conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly with temperatures soaring into the mid-30s on November 25 and 26, 2023, accompanied by strong winds.
Officials report that the ongoing hot and dry weather has dramatically increased the fire risk, leading RFS Superintendent Scott Connor to label the situation as critical. “Under hot and windy conditions, grass fires can spread quickly, threatening lives, property, crops, and livestock,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The RFS has issued a Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) forecast to exceed 50 and a Fire Danger Rating (FDR) classified as extreme. These indicators highlight the severe consequences a fire could have if one ignites. Superintendent Connor urges all landholders in the MIA to be vigilant and prepared, especially regarding machinery use during these dangerous conditions.
Residents are advised to take immediate action to protect their properties:
– Establish fire breaks around assets and crops.
– Ensure farm equipment is in good working order to mitigate fire risks.
– Be cautious of sparks from machinery that can ignite dry grass.
– Register all static water supplies, such as dams and water tanks, with the RFS for emergency assistance.
Moreover, it is crucial for families to have an up-to-date bushfire survival plan in place. “Know what you and your family will do if a fire threatens your property,” Superintendent Connor reinforced.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicts temperatures will hit 35°C on November 25, with windy conditions persisting into the following day. Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to remain high, reaching into the mid-30s again on November 28.
Just days prior, RFS crews successfully managed a header fire at Landervale, near Colinroobie, on November 21, thanks to proactive land management efforts. This incident resulted in 27 hectares burned but was contained swiftly due to effective fire breaks and rapid response.
As this developing situation unfolds, the RFS reminds all residents to stay informed and vigilant. For further guidance and resources, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare.
Stay safe and share this critical information to ensure your community is prepared for the imminent fire threat.
