Authorities in New South Wales have issued their most severe bushfire warnings in more than two years, declaring catastrophic conditions for the lower central west plains and closing schools as the state braces for its worst fire risk in years.
Catastrophic Fire Danger Declared
Forecasts of soaring temperatures and damaging wind gusts have prompted the NSW Rural Fire Service to raise bushfire alerts to the highest level. The lower central west plains district, including the regional hubs of Dubbo, Parkes, and Forbes, is facing a catastrophic fire danger forecast – the first time any region in NSW has been under such a warning since September 2023.
This catastrophic rating means residents in fire risk areas should actively consider leaving and are advised to stay out of paddocks and bushland. In response to the extreme threat, more than 20 public schools across central NSW were closed on Wednesday to ensure student safety.
Widespread Fire Bans and Dangerous Conditions
The danger extends far beyond the central west, with total fire bans declared for millions of residents across ten NSW regions, including greater Sydney, Illawarra, and the Hunter. Wind gusts of more than 90km/h were expected on Wednesday in southern NSW and Victoria, combining with hot temperatures and dry air to create perfect conditions for fires to ignite and spread rapidly.
"[Winds are] combining with warm to hot temperatures and really dry air and that is elevating fire dangers across the region," said Sarah Scully from the Bureau of Meteorology. Temperatures were forecast to reach up to 37C in Dubbo on Wednesday, following maximums of 38C on Tuesday.
Broader Regional Impact and Recent Tragedies
The elevated fire danger isn't confined to NSW. An elevated fire danger was also forecast in the southern interior of Queensland, indicating a widespread weather pattern affecting much of eastern Australia.
These warnings come as the country reels from a deadly start to the bushfire season. Country Fire Service member and 30-year veteran firefighter Peter Curtis died on Sunday while battling a scrub fire on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
Meanwhile, another significant bushfire in northeast Tasmania has been burning since Saturday, with authorities advising people in the Curries River Reservoir area to monitor conditions closely as the national fire crisis intensifies.
