Fire Updates from RFS & ABC Sources Tuesday 22nd October – updated throughout the day

Crews are racing to gain the upper hand on several blazes burning across New South Wales, amid grim warnings tomorrow’s weather may be more dangerous than first thought.

The NSW Rural Fire Service says tomorrow’s conditions across fire-hit areas of the Blue Mountains are forecast to be “about as bad as it gets”, with temperatures in the high 30s, humidity at 10 per cent and wind gusts of up to 100 kph.

“There is a very real potential for more loss of homes and loss of life,” RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons warned this afternoon.

Earlier today light showers on the state’s major fire fronts lifted the spirits of firefighters conducting aggressive back-burning operations, but did not slow the advance of the major fires.

Firefighters have deliberately joined the State Mine and Mount Victoria bushfires along the Darling Causeway to help crews manage the situation.

Watch and Act – State Mine Fire (Lithgow, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains) 22/10/13 20:46

Posted: 22/10/2013

A bush fire continues to burn near the township of Bell. The fire also continues to burn around the areas of Mt Irvine, McKellars Park, Bilpin, Hartley Vale, Dargan and Clarence.

Current Situation

Residents in the Lithgow / Mt Victoria / Blue Mountains areas are urged to remain vigilant and be prepared as hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast. People across these fire affected areas that live in or near bushland should take the forecast conditions seriously, be on alert and complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan or review their current plan.

A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force for the Greater Sydney area until further notice.

Advice for residents along the Bells Line of Road

If you or your property are not prepared, or you are not confident about your ability during a bush fire, you should leave early – such as in the morning before lunchtime.
If the fire spreads under the predicted weather conditions, your property may come under threat from burning embers, spot fires or the main fire front. Roads will become dangerous.
Consider going to a friend or family member’s home away from areas which may be impacted by fire.
Be aware that if you stay with your property, your life may be at risk. You may be isolated and emergency services may not be able to reach you.

Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Communities – Residents are advised to remain in place. There is fire burning along access roads and it is not safe to leave. There is a high likelihood you will be isolated for a number of days.

Kurrajong, Bowen Mountain and Yarramundi – Although the fire is not in the immediate area, use today to prepare your home and continue to monitor the situation.

Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.

Community Meeting

Katoomba Christian Convention Centre – Cliff Drive, Katoomba at 6:30pm. Parking available at the Scenic Railway
Blaxland Ridge Rural Fire Brigade – next to the Community Centre on Blaxland Ridge at 6:30pm
Bowen Mountain Park – Bunya Crescent, Bowen Mountain at 6:30pm
Kurrajong Heights Rural Fire Brigade Station – Stanley Avenue, Kurrajong Heights at 6:30pm
Warrimoo Citizens Hall, Great Western Highway, Warrimoo at 7.30pm. Residents of Warrimoo and Sun Valley are encouraged to attend
Blaxland High School, 3-9 Coughlan Rd, Blaxland at 7.30pm. Residents of Blaxland, Mount Riverview and Glenbrook are encouraged to attend

Residents of Katoomba and Leura are encouarged to attend.

School Closures

All public, catholic and independent schools, including child care centres and pre-schools, in the Blue Mountains Local Government Area (LGA) will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday 23 October). Identified schools in the Hawkesbury LGA will also be closed. Details available here.

Evacuation Centres

Seek accommodation with family and friends as this will be the most comfortable option. If required the Evacuation Centre at North Richmond can assist with accommodation.

Bring any medication and clothing you may require, as you may not be able to return to the area for a number of days.

North Richmond Community Hall – 33 William Street, North Richmond
Lithgow Workers Club – 3 Tank Street, Lithgow
Springwood Sports Centre – 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood

Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis

House (Habitable Dwelling) – 1 damaged, 3 destroyed
Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 1 damaged, 7 destroyed

Road Closures

Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures and roads may be closed without notice. Road closures continue to be assessed, however, there is no forecast as to when they will reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Public Transport Closures

For the latest public transport information visit 131500.com.au or call 131 500.

Watch and Act – Mount York Road, Mount Victoria Fire (Blue Mountains) 22/10/13 20:41

Posted: 22/10/2013

Backburning operations were conducted around the Blackheath area overnight in an effort to contain the fire and protect properties in the Blackheath and Mount Victoria area.

Residents in the Blue Mountains area are urged to remain vigilant and prepared with hot, dry and windy conditions forecast. People right across fire affected areas that live in or near bushland should take the forecast conditions seriously, be on alert and complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan or review their current plan. Please note; the rain today has not improved the fire situation and fire weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate.

As a result of backburning operations, people in the Blackheath area may see an increase in fire and smoke. Firefighters will be working in the area.

The threat to the Great Western Highway has been reduced due to successful backburning of Berghofers Pass. Should conditions worsen, this fire may cross Berghofers Pass and force the closure of Great Western Highway to the west of Mount Victoria.

Other areas that may come under threat are Kanimbla Valley, Megalong Valley, Hartley Vale (Lawsons Long Alley) and Blackheath. The fire could spread through Grose Valley and potentially threaten properties to the north of Great Western Highway at Mount Victoria.

A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in place for the Greater Sydney Region until further notice.

Advice

At this stage, the Great Western Highway will remain open unless affected by fire activity.

Well prepared homes can offer safety during the fire. Conditions may be changing. Continue to monitor the situation.

Put your Bush Fire Survival Plan into action. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.