Newnes State Forest closed due to severe fire danger

Forests NSW is alerting the pubic to the closure of Newnes State Forest, east of Lithgow, this weekend due to severe fire danger and a total fire ban in the central ranges.

Forests NSW regional manager, Gavin Jeffries, based at Bathurst, said the closure of this popular recreation forest has also been influenced by fires arising from lightning in and around the forest.

Mr Jeffries said there were at least eight fires on the northern and eastern boundaries of Newnes State Forest.

“Forests NSW is on its highest level of fire preparedness, as conditions are expected to be very challenging during the next couple of days,” he said.

“We are expecting these severe fire weather conditions to continue until at least Monday. More lightning is also forecast, which brings with it an added danger of fire.”

Mr Jeffries said the Mount Canobolas fire was at present being patrolled and fire fighters were keeping a very vigilant eye on this area.

People should ring 000 if they see smoke.