A severe fire weather day is unfolding in NSW, with now an emergency warning for Tingha in northern NSW.
The Rural Fire Service upgraded the Tingha fire from a Watch and Act to an emergency warning at 2pm advising “EMERGENCY WARNING: Tingha Plateau fire (Inverell LGA) - Fire has crossed Thunderbolts Way. Properties between Lake Copeton & Tingha are under threat. Firefighters undertaking property protection. Seek shelter as the fire front approaches.” “If in Tingha and not prepared, go to Tingha Primary School (Cnr Garnet Street and Ruby Street). This is a Neighbourhood Safer Place.”
Earlier it issued a watch and act warning telling people to leave the Tingha area now if that is your fire plan. “Fire burning E of Lake Copeton towards Thunderbolts Way. Fire activity increasing. Thunderbolts Way is closed. If you're in the area of Lake Copeton, Tingha, Gilgai & your plan is to leave, leave now,” the RFS said.
RFS also issued this emergency warning on Bruxner highway near Tabulum: “EMERGENCY WARNING: Bruxner Highway fire (Tenterfield LGA) - Fire is burning along both sides of the Bruxner Highway, 4km W of Tabulum toward the Jubullum Aboriginal Settlement. People in the area should seek shelter as the fire approaches.”
Also there is a watch and act alert for a fire near Tamworth: “WATCH & ACT: Linton fire (Tamworth LGA) - Fire is burning in the area of Warrabah & moving E towards Kingstown. Fire activity is increasing, with firefighters & aircraft on scene. If you are in the area of Warrabah & Kingstown monitor conditions.”
As of midday, there were 33 bush and grass fires in NSW.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an extreme fire warning for the Greater Hunter and also a severe fire warning for North Coast, Greater Sydney Region, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Far South Coast, Monaro Alpine, Southern Ranges, Central Ranges, New England, Northern Slopes, North Western, Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains, Southern Slopes, Eastern Riverina and Far West.
Early today the NSW Rural Fire Service issued an advice for people living in Tingha in northern NSW warning high temperatures and strong winds may push a fire towards the town. Tingha is just south-east of Inverell. The fire has burnt about 300 hectares and as of midday was not under control. Winds in the area are expected to gust up to 40km/h, with temperatures in the high 30s.
A severe weather warning has also been issued for parts of Southern Tablelands and Alpine area with gusts of over 120km/h expected above 1900m as a change moves through.
The RFS advised there will still be a severe fire danger on Wednesday with a total fire ban in many areas. “A total fire ban will remain in effect for North Western, Northern Slopes, New England and Far North Coast tomorrow, 13 February. Parts of the state will continue to experience Very High to Severe fire danger conditions. Know what you will do should a fire threaten.”