Rural Fire Service crews across the state are preparing for the worst day for fires this year on Tuesday November 12.
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The risk of current fires still burning on the Mid North Coast flaring up tomorrow is real.
The RFS is encouraging people in the Willawarrin area to relocate to a safe area before tomorrow, Tuesday November 12.
Anyone west of Kempsey is encouraged to reconsider if they need to be in the area tomorrow and to leave early if possible.
The Toorumbee Complex fires will not be under control before the dangerous fire period that is predicted for tomorrow.
"We are asking people to relocate at this stage, anyone that's west of Kempsey or near a fire ground is encouraged to relocate to Kempsey or Macksville," RFS liaison officer David Nicholson said.
"Tomorrow we will be experiencing low humidity and the temperature will be in the mid 30s, but our biggest worry is the wind. It's predicted to be 30 kilometres per hour in the morning with 50 kilometre wind gusts. There will also be a southerly wind in the afternoon and this will create problems north of the fire ground.
Kempsey is predicted to reach 37 degrees tomorrow, and the heat coupled with the wind will create dangerous fire conditions.
"We have exhausted our local resources over the past few days and we have out of area strike and management teams working on the fires in the area," Mr Nicholson said.
"We also have aviation aids on hand for tomorrow.
"Pretty much everything we have, we're throwing at it because we don't want things to turn worse than what they already are."
The fire danger rating for our area for tomorrow is extreme. For Greater Sydney and the Greater Hunter, catastrophic fire danger is now forecast.
People are urged to follow their bush fire survival plan. If you do not have a bush fire survival plan, ensure you know what you will do before, during and after the fire. Remember - leaving early is your safest option.
Residents are urged to stay up to date with the latest information by the RFS through their social media and the Fires near Me website.
School closures
Some schools in the Macleay will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday November 12, at this stage these include:
- Bellbrook Public School
- Kempsey Adventist School
- Melville High School
- St. Joseph's Primary School
- St Paul's College Kempsey
- Willawarrin Public School
Schools in the area may still close, the list of school closures can be found here.
Some schools may be added to the list at a later time today.
Smoke
Smoke will continue to blanket a number of areas across the Mid North Coast.
Residents with any respiratory issues or who are particularly vulnerable can be the first to feel the effects of smoke which may aggravate their existing condition.
Even healthy adults and children can be impacted by the effects of heavy smoke which can result in lung irritation.
People are urged to stay inside when possible and limit their exposure to smoke.
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