NSW: Forecast downgraded but firefighters well prepared

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2001
NSW: Forecast downgraded but firefighters well prepared

Firefighters have welcomed a slight downgrade in the weather forecast and say they're
as ready as they can be to fight expected flare-ups.

Today is tipped to be the worst day of the bushfire crisis to date, with temperatures
in some parts of the state heading towards 40 degrees and gusty winds expected to build
through the morning.

But strong winds forecast for yesterday and overnight failed to materialise, allowing
firefighters to carry out more backburning in an attempt to build buffer zones for properties
considered most at risk.

Meanwhile, Premier BOB CARR will tour Sydney's south and visit the emergency services
centre at Heathcote.

A fire in the Shoalhaven on the south coast continues to burn out of control after
breaching its containment lines late yesterday.

And as residents in fire affected areas brace for the worst, a man will appear in Armidale
Local Court charged with lighting fires.

He is the sixth person to be charged since the bushfire crisis.

The greatest concern today is the green belt from Spencer through to the Hawkesbury,
Blue Mountains, Picton and the Illawarra.

AAP RTV sal/jtb

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW (SYDNEY)

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