TOTAL FIRE BAN in force across the Upper Hunter

Another stinker of a day on the way with the Rural Fire Service declaring a TOTAL FIRE BAN across the Upper Hunter.

The forecast EXTREME fire danger conditions have forced the suspension of all fire permits until midnight.

Local RFS Superintendent Paul McGrath said the conditions are not good if a fire starts.

“The temperature is expected to reach 39 degrees today with 20 percent humidity, very low moisture and strong north-westerly winds at 20 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 45 km per hour,” he said.

“This will really give us extreme fire conditions.”