The bushfire crisis in the New South Wales Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury region has eased, but authorities warn that the situation remains dangerous and dynamic.
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says the firefighting operation will continue into the evening before cooler weather tomorrow.
Meanwhile, an investigation by the RFS and police has revealed the state’s biggest fire near Lithgow was caused by explosive devices on a Defence Department range.
However, the Defence Department has refused to comment on the revelations, saying an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Most residents in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury who left today are being allowed to return to their homes.
People living along the Bells Line of Road and some streets of Springwood and Faulconbridge are still being kept out of their homes.
Interactive Map of the active fires in NSW: from RFS Website
Watch and Act – State Mine Fire (Lithgow, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains) 23/10/13 19:23
Posted: 23/10/2013
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
There is still active fire in the area. Residents in the Lithgow / Mt Victoria / Blue Mountains areas are urged to remain vigilant and be prepared to act. 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.
Areas that may come under threat are Mt Irvine, Mt Wilson, Mt Tomah, Mt Victoria, Berambing, Bilpin, Mountain Lagoon, Hartley Vale, Bell, Dargan and Clarence.
A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force for the Greater Sydney area until further notice.
Advice
People living in communities along the Great Western Highway can return to their homes. However, people in the area around Springwood and Faulconbridge should be aware there may be local road closures that may prevent you from returning home.
People in communities along the Bells Line of Road should be aware there is fire activity in the area and it is still not safe to return home. Continue to monitor this website for further updates.
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 Communities – 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.
Evacuation Centres and Information and Assistance Centres
Seek accommodation with family and friends away from high risk areas as this will be the most comfortable option.
If you have made other arrangements, there is no need to attend or register at an Evacuation Centre or Information and Assistance Centre.
If you cannot make alternative arrangements, the following centres are open:
Evacuation Centres
- North Richmond Community Hall – 33 William Street, North Richmond
- Springwood Sports Centre – 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood
- Lithgow Workers Club – 3 Tank Street, Lithgow.
Information and Assistance Centres
- Penrith Panthers, Evan Theatre – 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith – closing 8pm tonight and will not reopen.
Road Closures
Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures. Please be aware that road closures may occur without notice. These closures will continue to be assessed across the day. Roads may be closed for an undetermined length of time. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas.
Bells Line of Road, Hartley Vale Rd, Fields Rd (Browns Gap) and Darling Causeway remain closed due to smoke, backburning operations and possible fire impacts.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Public Transport Closures
For the latest public transport information visit www.131500.com.au or call 131 500.
School Closures
Some schools will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday 24 October). Details available here.
Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis
- House (Habitable Dwelling) – 1 damaged, 3 destroyed
- Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 1 damaged, 7 destroyed
Watch and Act – Mount York Road, Mount Victoria Fire (Blue Mountains) 23/10/13 19:21
Posted: 23/10/2013
The fire in the Blackheath area has flared up this afternoon but within containment lines.
Current Situation
The fire has flared up within containment lines this afternoon under warm and windy conditions.
Additional crews have been sent to the area to assist.
Other areas that may come under threat are Kanimbla Valley, Megalong Valley, Darling Causeway / Hartley Vale (Lawsons Long Alley), Little Hartley, Blackheath, Shipley, Linden to Mt Victoria and South of Mt Victoria.
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
People living in communities along the Great Western Highway can return to their homes. However, people in the area around Springwood and Faulconbridge should be aware there may be local road closures that may prevent you from returning home.
People in communities along the Bells Line of Road should be aware there is fire activity in the area and it is still not safe to return home. Continue to monitor this website for further updates.
Residents should remain vigilant, take forecast weather conditions seriously and be ready to act.
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.
Well prepared homes and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.
School Closures
Some schools will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday 24 October). Details available here.
Evacuation Centres and Information and Assistance Centres
Seek accommodation with family and friends away from high risk areas as this will be the most comfortable option.
If you have made other arrangements, there is no need to attend or register at an Evacuation Centre or Information and Assistance Centre.
If you cannot make alternative arrangements, the following centres are open:
Evacuation Centres
- North Richmond Community Hall – 33 William Street, North Richmond
- Springwood Sports Centre – 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood
- Lithgow Workers Club – 3 Tank Street, Lithgow.
Information and Assistance Centres
- Penrith Panthers, Evan Theatre – 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith – closing at 8pm tonight and will not reopen.
Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis
- House (Habitable Dwelling) – 1 damaged, 7 destroyed
- Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 0 damaged, 0 destroyed
Road Closures
Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures. Please be aware that road closures may occur without notice. These closures will continue to be assessed across the day. Roads may be closed for an undetermined length of time. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas.
The Great Western Highway is currently open.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Public Transport Closures
For the latest public transport information visit www.131500.com.au or call 131 500.
Other Information
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
- If you are concerned about the welfare of family and friends, please contact the Police Information Centre on 1800 227 228.
- Information about disaster welfare assistance, advice for pets and animals and donations is available here.
