Superintendent Peter Alley said that the Total Fire Ban will remain in place from midnight Thursday for a 24-hour period at this stage. Temperatures around 40 degrees and winds forecast at 25 to 40km/h will make fire containment very difficult tomorrow.

“Under these fire conditions, fires will be uncontrollable and fast moving, and could threaten properties with little warning,” Mr Alley said.

“If a fire breaks out in these conditions, you should only stay with your home if it’s well-prepared and you are able to actively defend it. Leaving early is always the safest option, only well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety if a fire was to threaten.

“That’s why it’s so important that people are prepared, by having a Bush Fire Survival Plan so they know what to do if a fire affects their community.

“We have seen numerous fires across the Southern Tablelands in the past weeks and we are urging all residents and land holders to be vigilant and stay up to date with what’s happening in your local area.”

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

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.