NSW: Holidaymakers warned to avoid bushfire areas this summer

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2009
NSW: Holidaymakers warned to avoid bushfire areas this summer

SYDNEY, Dec 20 AAP - NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan has urged holidaymakers
to avoid remote national parks and forests on days of total fire bans.

With this summer predicted to be a particularly bad season for bushfires, families
are being asked to keep up-to-date on weather forecasts to prevent getting caught up in
a bushfire.

"Developing a Bush Fire Survival Plan as part of your holiday preparations will ensure
you and your family know what to do in the event of bush fire," Mr Whan said in a statement
on Sunday.

"Be aware of the Fire Danger Rating for the area you are holidaying in or travelling
through. On days of total fire ban, reconsider plans to travel into remote bushland areas
such as national parks and forests."

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said holidaymakers should
bring a battery-operated radio with them to keep up-to-date on on bush fire warnings in
their area.

"Ensure camp fires are fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the area and
remember that open fires are not permitted on total fire ban days," Mr Fitzsimmons said.

AAP ih/jfm

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES HOLIDAYS

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