The ban includes the lighting of any fires out in the open, including wood or solid fuel barbecues.

Winds are expected to increase to 60 km/h in Yass, Goulburn, Crookwell, Braidwood and Queanbeyan, alongside temperatures over 30 degrees Celcius.

Superintendent Peter Alley said that the Total Fire Ban will be in place from Midnight on Tuesday, February 11 for a 24-hour period.

“Latest forecasts indicate temperatures reaching the low to mid 30’s with low relative humidity and strong, gusty winds generally from the west. This has resulted in a Severe Fire Danger Rating in place across the Southern Tablelands tomorrow,” Superintendent Alley said.

“Under the predicted fire weather conditions, fires will be difficult to control and fast moving, and could threaten properties with little warning.”

“It is so important for people to be prepared, take some time tonight to discuss with your household what you will do if a fire threatens. When will you go? Where will you go? What will you take?”

He said a Total Fire Ban means a ban on the lighting of any fires out in the open, including wood or solid fuel barbeques.

Further information about Total Fire Ban rules is available on the NSW Rural Fire Service website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans).

Superintendent Alley has also encouraged landowners to take precautions during the predicted conditions.

“Many fires start as a result of human activities, including working with machinery, and the risk of more fires is high in these extremely dry conditions,” he said. 

Residents can stay informed by checking www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information, by calling the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or by downloading the ‘Fires Near Me’ app for smart devices.

Should residents see a fire without a fire truck in attendance, they should report it to Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Residents can stay informed on fires by checking: