URGENT UPDATE: A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the North Coast, Northern Slopes, Far North Coast, and New England regions of New South Wales for tomorrow, October 27, 2025. The ban will take effect at midnight tonight, October 26, due to a forecast of dangerously hot and windy conditions.
Authorities warn that these regions are under EXTREME fire conditions, impacting council areas including Ballina, Byron, Coffs Harbour, and Tamworth. Residents are urged to take immediate action to safeguard their lives and properties.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) emphasizes the severity of the situation. They advise residents to check their bushfire plans and ensure homes are prepared for potential fires. If you are not fully prepared, it is crucial to seek a safer location before conditions worsen.
The affected areas include:
– Far North Coast: Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Tweed
– New England: Glen Innes Severn, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha, Armidale
– North Coast: Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey, Nambucca, Mid-Coast
– Northern Slopes: Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth
Residents are strongly advised to reconsider any travel plans through bushfire risk areas. The NSW RFS warns that these conditions pose significant fire risks, and taking proactive measures could be life-saving.
As the situation develops, stay tuned for further updates and ensure you’re prepared for the challenges ahead. Share this information with friends and family to keep everyone informed and safe.