Greater Hunter region under total fire ban amid extreme danger

A total fire ban has been implemented across the Greater Hunter region in Australia due to extreme fire danger and soaring temperatures. The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) issued the ban for Monday, September 21, covering multiple local councils including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and the Upper Hunter.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecast warm, dry, and windy conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius in Singleton and Dungog. A bushfire in the Medowie area of Port Stephens had already burned through more than 111 hectares by Monday morning.

Under the total fire ban, residents are prohibited from lighting or maintaining open fires, and all existing fire permits are suspended. The ban also prohibits hot works such as welding, grinding, or gas cutting in the open air. Cooking restrictions are in place, banning wood and charcoal barbecues, while gas or electric barbecues are permitted only under strict safety constraints. RFS crews remain on standby to combat potential fires and strengthen containment lines.