The Rural Fire Service has issued a major alert, with 'Catastrophic' fire danger forecast for the Lower Central West Plains on Wednesday 26 November 2025, due to forecast high temperatures, low humidities and strong winds, making conditions dangerous.

Bogan, Coonamble, Dubbo Regional, Forbes, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Narromine, Parkes, Warren, Warrumbungle, and Weddin LGA's communities are warned to take precautions and be on alert.

This is the first time that Catastrophic fire danger has been forecast for any part of NSW since September 2023.

Total Fire Bans have also been declared for 11 areas across the state.

'Catastrophic' is the highest level of bush fire danger and the most dangerous conditions for a fire.

"Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire," the RFS said in a statement.

Advice for people in areas of Catastrophic fire danger include:

• For your survival, leaving a fire risk area is your safest course of action.

• Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before. A safer area may be a large town or city, shopping centres or facilities well away from fire risk areas.

• Stay out of paddocks and bushland areas during the hottest parts of the day.

• Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. You may not be able to leave and help may not be available.

• Schools in identified high risk areas may be closed. Schools will notify affected students.

• Large areas of the state are also forecast to experience Extreme fire danger.

Based on latest forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following fire danger ratings are expected on Wednesday.

Extreme fire danger conditions are forecast for: 

North Western, Upper Central West Plains, Southern Slopes, Eastern Riverina, Southern Riverina, Northern Riverinan Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Central Ranges.

Extreme fire danger is also likely to continue into Thursday for parts of the state.

For more information on Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans, visit the RFS website.