Bush fires are more likely to start, spread and cause damage on days when the weather is very hot, dry and windy, and according to Rural Fire Service district officer for the Mid Coast, Stuart Robb said that people should be reviewing their bush fire survival plan.

“The conditions for today are certainly hot, dry and windy and with a fire danger rating of ‘very high’ all fire permits on the North Coast have been suspended until the rating drops,” Mr Robb said.

“What this means is that even if you have obtained a fire permit, you are not allowed to execute it until the fire danger rating has dropped.

“At this stage the conditions are expected to remain the same for tomorrow and we are anticipating a fire danger rating of ‘very high’ rating again.

“When the rating is ‘very high’ or above we strongly recommend people check their bush fire survival plan and ensure they are aware of what they need to do in the event of a bush fire in their area.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area fall in fire area two, which covers most of the Mid North Coast, all of whom are experiencing a ‘very high’ fire danger warning, along with a large proportion of New South Wales today.

Mr Robb also said that if people see smoke coming from bush land they should call triple-0 immediately.

“It is important that people stay alert to the potential change in conditions and if people see any fire which are not being attended to by firefighters to call Triple – 0 immediately,” he said.

The fire danger rating is released at 4.30pm every afternoon for the following day, and can be found on the NSW Rural Fire Service website and and also on the NSW Rural Fire Service – Mid Coast District Facebook page.