Parents in New South Wales are being warned schools will be forced to close on days of elevated bushfire risk.

On Wednesday 26 November, 26 public schools across the NSW Central West and Riverina (including Narrandera) were made “non-operational” by the state’s education department due to the weather conditions.

TAFE NSW also closed several of its campuses due to the weather, including in Dubbo, Parkes, West Wyalong and Temora.

The day saw the first catastrophic fire danger rating of the summer bushfire season.

The last time the state recorded a catastrophic declaration in September 2023, schools were also closed.

In a statement, the NSW education department said the decision to move a school site to being “non-operational” was not taken lightly.

“Decision-making around bushfire risk is informed by ensuring the safety of students and staff and is made in consultation with emergency services.

“The Department of Education works closely with the Rural Fire Service [RFS] to make sure decisions are based on the latest information available and communicated with school communities the day before they need to take action.”

The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services has identified an increased risk of fires across NSW over summer, while the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting hotter than average temperatures across much of the country over summer.

Fire danger ratings do not mean there will be a bushfire; instead, they indicate that weather conditions pose a high risk if a fire were to start in the area. This measure is proactive to ensure school staff, students and the community remain safe.

While conditions have eased in parts of the state, the RFS is warning the bushfire danger period is far from over.