INCREASING risks of heatwaves and bushfires across the region during the next few months have left firefighters in the Chifley/Lithgow region concerned.
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The predictions were released this week in the Bureau of Meteorology's severe weather outlook for the October to April period.
Meteorologist Dr Adam Morgan said there was a higher than usual chance of extreme heat developing along with the deepening drought in inland areas this summer.
"Large parts of Australia are extremely dry as we head into the warmer months, especially in the east where some areas have seen very little now for three years," he said.
"We expect the warm and dry trends to continue for the remainder of the year."
Dr Morgan said the predicted hot, dry weather and clear skies raises the risk of heatwaves when winds push the heat towards the coast.
"Just like last year, it's been an early start to the fire season for many," he said.
Tinder dry bushland that hasn't seen rain in months is a huge concern to firefighters in the NSW Rural Fire Service Chifley/Lithgow zone, district co-ordinator Gary Hansen said.
"At this stage there's not a lot of grass in Bathurst, but there is in Lithgow and Oberon," he said.
And while the region may have received some rain recently, if there is no follow up rainfall Mr Hansen said the green grass will soon cure and become a fire risk.
So far this year Oberon has received well below average rainfall with just 434.1 millimetres recorded to the end of September. The long term average is 612.1mm.
Lithgow has also received 434.1mm compared to a long term average of 567.9mm, while Bathurst has received closest to its long term average with 423.2mm recorded which was just below the average of 446.4mm.
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Mr Hansen urged the community to download a Bushfire Survival Plan now and to discuss with their family whether they will stay and defend their property during a fire or leave.
"The decision should be based on the weather in your area, not so much whether there is a fire near you," Mr Hansen said.
Dr Morgan said heatwaves were the most deadly form of severe weather.
"Warm nights after hot days give our bodies little chance to cool down and heat stress becomes a real risk to human health," he said.
"Heatwaves also have a significant impact on our economy with agriculture, energy management, infrastructure and other industry all affected."
While rural property owners in the Chifley/Lithgow zone are allowed to burn off, they will need a fire permit by contacting their fire control centre on 1300 258 737.
"If you do see an unattended fire or you're at risk [from fire] call triple-0 immediately," Mr Hansen said.
"I'd much rather have multiple calls about the same incident than none at all."
Stay up-to-date with fires in your area at the NSW Rural Fire Service's Fires Near Me website or app.
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