NSW: New fire districts declared ahead of dangerous summer

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2004
NSW: New fire districts declared ahead of dangerous summer

The Rural Fire Service says New South Wales is facing a potentially very dangerous fire season.

But it says the creation of 20 new fire districts will help ensure information about
blazes, as well as weather alerts and total fire ban announcements, are more specific.

Emergency Services Minister TONY KELLY says that under the previous system, a Total
Fire Ban would apply to the whole weather forecast district, whether the actual conditions
required it or not.

Mr KELLY says some weather forecast districts are so large it can be prime bushfire
weather with hot, dry winds at one end, but raining at the other.

Residents can check which fire area they're in via the Rural Fire Service website or
by calling 1800 049 333.

AAP RTV ld/jmt

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW (SYDNEY)

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