Nyngan warned as bushfire risk soars amid hot, dry weather

While people in the Nyngan area have been lucky with no high fire dangers, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) North West Zone and Bogan District Manager Paul Metcalfe is still urging residents to be mindful as conditions begin to dry. 

"The RFS hasn't been overly worked in the Nyngan area, but there is still potential for fires to cause damage or harm to the area," he said.

District Manager Metcalfe said anyone wishing to light a fire during the danger period must obtain a permit from their local fire Captain or local Fire Control Centre. 

"We are asking people to be careful and not to burn without a permit until the end of March.”

While most fires this year have begun from natural causes, in particular lightening in the dry thunderstorms, District Manager Metcalfe urges people to be mindful when working outdoors with machinery. 

“Especially with dry conditions and low humidity, it doesn’t take a lot for fires to start. People need to be mindful and need to have some capabilities to put out fires if they start,” he said. 

With the onset of more warmer weather fire danger is set to rise, District Manager Metcalfe said it is essential that everyone knows where to get important information and advice.

"We're facing a very real risk of bush fires in the month ahead based on the current dry conditions, so it's crucial that people remain vigilant," District Manager Metcalf said. 

He said that Facebook, Twitter, the NSW RFS website and the 'Fires Near Me' app are all good sources for updates on fires, as well as listening to local radio for information. 

"The Bush Fire Information Line is also an excellent source of information and can be reached at 1800 697 737.

"These valuable resources have been developed to help people stay safe this bush fire season. We recommend that everyone familiarises themselves with what's available". District Manager Metcalfe said.