A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Far North Coast for today (Monday November 23) due to forecast hot and windy conditions.

Temperatures are expected to hit 35 degrees today before a cooler change moves through on Tuesday causing the maximum to drop 8 degrees.

The Total Fire Ban and is rated as severe. It came into effect at midnight for Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

The NSW Rural Fire Service provides the following advice:

Under Severe and Very High fire conditions:

• Well prepared homes that acre actively defended can provide safety during a fire.
• Follow your Bushfire Survival Plan and remain vigilant
• Keep informed by looking at the Lismore App, listening to radio, watching television news and monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

No fires maybe lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended during a Total Fire Ban. Gas and electric barbecues may be used provided certain conditions are met. Total Fire Ban rules and a map of Total Fire Ban areas are listed at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.