Firies prepare for worst as NSW swelters

NSW firefighters are bracing for the worst on Tuesday, with temperatures set to soar
into the 40s across many parts of the state.
With much of southern Australia sweltering on Monday, strong winds, low humidity and
high temperatures are forecast for NSW on Tuesday.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said those under threat
should make plans to leave early.
"Under these conditions, fires that start and take hold will typically be
uncontrollable and potentially dangerous," he said.
"It's critical that people, especially across southwestern and southern NSW, are
alert to the potential for fire activity and ensure they have a plan for what to do
if a fire affects the area they're in."
A catastrophic fire danger rating has been declared in the Northern Riverina,
Southern Riverina and southwestern areas of NSW.
Total fire bans are in place in the Southern Ranges, the Lower Central West Plains,
Monaro, the Southern Slopes and the Eastern, Northern and Southern Riverina
districts.