SCORCHING heat is predicted for the region on Tuesday, along with severe fire danger, total fire ban and the potential for existing fires to spread.
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A total fire ban is in place for the Central Ranges which includes the following council areas: Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Oberon and Orange.
Predicted maximums for the region are set to soar, with some towns on track to experience record-breaking temperatures.
Temperature predictions
- Bathurst 37 degrees
- Blayney 35 degrees
- Cabonne 35 degrees
- Cowra 41 degrees
- Lithgow 36 degrees
- Mid-Western 39 degrees
- Oberon 36 degrees
- Orange 35 degrees
NSW Rural Fire Service Canobolas Zone fire mitigation officer Geoff Selwood said all forested areas in the region will be a concern for crews.
"That's areas around Goobang, Conimbla, Nangar, Wyangla and Mount Canobolas," he said.
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"It's not looking all that brilliant ... if you get a fairly decent wind it'll [the fire] just pop up into the [tree] canopy and away you go."
Mr Selwood said thunderstorms often bring lightning strikes which can then ignite new fires in forested areas.
"If we're lucky we may not get any thunderstorms ... if we get lightning strikes in those areas it's a big concern," he said.
Mr Selwood said unless your house was "well and truly" prepared for fires that people should stay in town for the day.
"I'd be thinking about packing up my bags and moving to an area that's not at such risk," he said.
"If you're not mentally prepared for a fire, it's a bit late when you see it coming up the driveway."
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During a total fire ban, no fire may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended.
This includes incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel such as wood, charcoal or heat beads.
No general purpose welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting can be done in the open.