Move FM Regional news

LITHGOW, Central West, NSW, Australia – The Gospers Mountain fire on Friday surpassed 500,000 hectares in size.

The controlled fire in the Wollemi National Park area continues to burn on multiple fronts.

The NSW RFS says fire activity has eased over the last few days and reaffirms there is no immediate threat to property.

“In some areas there will continue to be heavy plant machinery, aircraft, smoke and fire activity as backburning operations are undertaken to establish containment lines,” the latest advisory issued on Friday night said.

“The fire has burnt south of the Grose River towards the Blue Mountains. This area of the fire is called the Grose Valley fire.”

“Putty Road is closed from between Milbrodale and Colo Heights for backburning operations. Bells Line of Road is open. Roads may be closed without warning. Check www.livetraffic.com for road information,” the NSW RFS advisory says.

Advice

Greater Lithgow area including Lithgow, Marrangaroo, Ben Bullen, Newnes, Wolgan Valley, Capertee, Bogee

• There is still active fire in the area.
• Fire has passed through Lithgow and Angus Place, Wolgan and Newnes Junction areas. Be aware of the danger of falling trees and branches.
• Heavy plant machinery are working around Hartley Vale, Capertee, Glen Davis, Glen Alice and Bogee to establish containment lines. There may be increased smoke in the area.
• Monitor conditions and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
• Follow your bush fire survival plan and take advice from firefighters in the area.

Bells Line of Road Clarence to Bilpin

• Fire has passed through this area and continues to burn on both sides of the Bells Line of Road. There is no current fire activity around Clarence and Dargan.
• Be aware of the danger of falling trees and branches.
• Monitor conditions and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
• Follow your bush fire survival plan and take advice from firefighters in the area.

Lower Grose Valley, Mountain Lagoon and Blaxland Ridge including Kurrajong Heights, Kurrajong, Bowen Mountain and Yarramundi

• Backburning operations will be conducted over the coming days to reinforce containment lines. This may bring an increase in smoke and fire activity.
• Monitor conditions and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
• Follow your bush fire survival plan and take advice from firefighters in the area.

Macdonald Valley including Lower Macdonald, Upper Macdonald, Perrys Crossing

• Fire has passed through this area.
• Be aware of the danger of falling trees and branches.
• Monitor conditions and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
• Follow your bush fire survival plan and take advice from firefighters in the area.

If you are threatened by fire

• Do not be in the path of the fire.
• Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Wear protective clothing and footwear. Cover all exposed skin.
• If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
• If you are in an area that has already been affected by fire, there may be small areas of active fire burning for some time. Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.

Recovery Information

• For bush fire recovery information and assistance call the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.
• A Bush fire Recovery Centre is open 9am-5pm Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December at Lithgow Workies Club – 3-7 Tank Street, Lithgow. The Centre can provide advice on bush fire disaster welfare, disaster recovery, available grants and assistance with Council services. For more details visit the Office of Emergency Management website.

Other Information

• The Hawkesbury Fire Control Centre at Wilberforce is unable to accept donated goods. Enough stock on hand to meet their current needs.
• Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
• People with respiratory conditions who are affected by bush fire smoke should activate their health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.
• Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at the Bureau of Meteorology.
• Before visiting national parks, check for closures at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts.

The next update on Gospers Mountain fire is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00am or if the situation changes.

(Photo credit: Gena Dray).