NSW weather: schools closed as state faces worst bushfire risk in years amid extreme heat

Forecasts of soaring temperatures and damaging wind gusts have prompted authorities in New South Wales to raise bushfire alerts to their highest levels in more than two years. More than 20 public schools across central NSW were to be closed on Wednesday after the state’s Rural Fire Service issued a warning for catastrophic fire danger. Sign up: AU Breaking News email The lower central west plains – including the regional hubs of Dubbo, Parkes and Forbes – was bracing for the highest level of bushfire conditions, meaning people there should consider leaving fire risk areas and stay out of paddocks and bushland. No region of NSW has had a catastrophic fire danger forecast since September 2023. Extreme danger warnings were also declared for millions of residents, including those in metropolitan Sydney, as wind gusts of more than 90km/h were expected on Wednesday in southern NSW and Victoria. Greg Allan, a spokesperson for NSW Rural Fire Service, said the combination of strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity, together with dry vegetation, meant fires could start quickly and spread rapidly. For those living or working in the lower central west, where catastrophic conditions were forecast, he said: “It’s important to know that homes could be lost if a fire takes hold.” There were 24 bush and grass fires currently burning on Wednesday morning and all but three were contained, Allan said. Peak fire conditions were expected between 1.30pm to 6pm. Residents in affected areas were advised to keep up to date with advice from emergency services and the Bureau of Meteorology. “The most important thing is, for those in the areas of extreme and definitely in the area of catastrophic fire danger, to have that discussion with your loved ones, or those on your property, about what you’ll do if there is a fire,” he said. “Leaving early is always the safest option, particularly in the catastrophic area. The BoM’s Sarah Scully said: “[Winds are] combining with warm to hot temperatures and really dry air and that is elevating fire dangers across the region.” Temperatures up to 37C were forecast for Dubbo on Wednesday after maximums of 38C took their toll on Tuesday. Total fire bans were in place across much of NSW, including the lower central west, greater Sydney, the Hunter, Riverina, Southern Slopes, the Illawarra/ Shoalhaven, north-western, upper central west and central ranges. An elevated fire danger was also forecast in the southern interior of Queensland. The warnings of increased bushfire danger come as the country is still reeling from a deadly start to bushfire season. Country Fire Service member and 30-year firefighter Peter Curtis died on Sunday while battling a scrub fire on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Another bushfire in north-east Tasmania has burned since Saturday, with authorities advising people in the Curries River Reservoir area to monitor conditions.