LIVE
'I've not seen a scenario like this before': Firey's dire warning
One of the state’s most senior fireys says he has never seen conditions like this before and warned people living near bushland to have a fire plan ready for tomorrow.“I've been in this industry for 40 years, and I've not seen a scenario like this before,” Rural Fire Service deputy commissioner Rob Rogers said.
- Catastrophic rating as firestorms predicted
- Loss of animal life in bushfires 'incalculable'
- Brave acts of our firefighting heroes
- GALLERY: Devastation of the NSW fires
NSW has declared a state of emergency for seven days starting immediately as bushfires rage across the state.
It comes as firefighters spend the morning moving their resources into place, preparing for windy conditions this afternoon in bushfire-affected areas of NSW.
At 9am there were 61 bush and grass fires burning across NSW, with 40 of those not yet contained.
Many of those 40 fires won’t be contained ahead of tomorrow’s dangerous fire weather.
Ten of these fires are burning at watch and act level.
The RFS have updated its catastrophic fire warning for tomorrow, to also include the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.
Catastrophic areas now include Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
Strong gusts of up to 40km/h are in store for Monday afternoon, putting firefighters on high alert.
High temperatures, strong winds and low humidity are forecast for tomorrow, making conditions dangerous.
Catastrophic is the highest level of bushfire danger and homes are not designed to withstand a fire under these conditions.
Find all the information on latest fires and warnings, school closures and safety advice below.
Originally published as 'I've not seen a scenario like this before': Firey's dire warning