NSW weather: Homes at risk as bushfires tear through Central West

Homes are at risk of burning down as out of control bushfires rip through NSW during a record breaking heatwave which has seen dozens of schools close down.

Up to 50 homes are at risk of burning down in the state’s central west as out of control bushfires rip through NSW during a record breaking heatwave.

Firefighters are battling 37 bushfires but have grim concerns for the 11 that are yet to be contained, particularly the fire burning near Tambaroora.

“The Alpha Rd fire has recently gone to the emergency warning alert level, the advice is mainly in the areas of Hill End Rd and Ullamalla,” RFS spokesperson Greg Allan said.

“It’s already taken out 267 hectares and 48 surrounding homes are at risk.

“Fire activity is increasing in those areas so residents really need to be aware of the situation.”

An RFS aircraft fighting a fire in the NSW Central West. Picture: Supplied

A fast-moving grass fire in Burrendong is also keeping firefighters busy.

“The other fire of note is the Burrendong fire which has not yet been contained,” Mr Allan said.

With hot and dry conditions affecting NSW, firefighters are working to contain over 40 fires. Crews are being supported by aircraft, including large air tankers. This footage from earlier today shows the #NSWRFS LAT “Marie Bashir” working on the Alpha Rd Fire at Tambaroora. pic.twitter.com/2Ub3t9o9CW

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) March 6, 2023

“We’ve got around 400 firefighters and instant management personnel, and 107 vehicles around the state working currently.”

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, temperatures have risen above 30C and winds are moving northwesterly at 25 to 40km/h but will ease into the evening.

People in affected areas are urged to have a bushfire survival plan, clean out their gutters and remove any combustibles.

It comes as Sydney swelters through its hottest day in more than two years, with temperatures forecast to hit 38C across several suburbs on Monday.

Hot air moving across the country is predicted to push the mercury over 35C on Sydney’s coast, which will make it the city’s hottest day since January 26, 2021.

EMERGENCY WARNING
Alpha Rd Fire, Tambaroora (Mid-Western LGA)
A bush fire in the Pyramul Creek area is burning towards Alpha Rd, Hill End Rd and Hill End.
Residents in Hill End, Maitland Camp and Sallys Flat should be aware of ember attack which may start spot fires. #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/nDRVFtEtEK

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) March 6, 2023

Most of the state will sweat through temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s, with Bourke expected to hit 41C on Monday, Dubbo 38C and Walgett 40C.

The severe heat has forced the closure of dozens of schools across NSW including Lithgow High and Hampton Public - see the full list of closed schools below.

Thousands are expected to flock to Sydney’s beaches to provide relief from the soaring temperatures.

Thousands are expected to hit Sydney’s beaches amid heatwave conditions. Picture: John Grainger

Authorities have also issued fire bans for several parts of the state.

The lower Central West Plains, Central Ranges and Greater Hunter are all listed at extreme fire danger risk and the Southern Ranges, Northern Slopes, North Western and Upper Central West Plains are at high risk.

“Maximum temperatures in the mid to high thirties and overnight minimum temperatures in the mid teens to around twenty are expected during the early part of this week,” a spokesperson from the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Seven total fire bans will be in place tomorrow, 6 March, for the Greater Hunter, Southern & Central Ranges, Northern Slopes, Upper and Lower Central West Plains. Know your fire risk and what you will do if fire threatens. Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000). #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/mMlX81XXrd

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) March 5, 2023

“Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.

“Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.”

More to come.