[rfs-bluemountains-information] Total Fire Ban Advice

Good Evening Everyone,

On Thursday, hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to increase fire dangers to dangerous levels in parts of NSW.

A TOTAL FIRE BAN has been declared for tomorrow, Saturday 28 November 2009.

The Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service will TOTALLY BAN THE LIGHTING OF FIRES from midnight tonight [Friday 27 November] until midnight tomorrow night [Saturday 28 November] in the following NSW Fire Areas:

Greater Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Far South Coast,
Central Ranges, Southern Ranges, Monaro Alpine,
Northern Slopes, Northwestern, Upper Central West Plains,
Lower Central West Plains, Greater Sydney Region.

The Blue Mountains Local Government Area is part of the Greater Sydney Region Fire Area. The Fire Danger Rating for the Greater Sydney Region is Extreme [75-99]. Under these conditions, any bush fire that starts has the potential to cause loss of life and destroy many homes.

What does this mean?

　

Tomorrow will be hot, dry and windy. This combination can effect fire behaviour and cause smaller fires to increase in size and intensity quite rapidly. The lower-than-average humidity and strong winds - even in the absence of high temperatures - is of greatest concern.

Staff and Volunteer Firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service will be on stand-by at a number of locations throughout the area from 10am Saturday morning.

What can I do?

　

Be aware. If a bushfire does get going, the situation can change very quickly.

The RFS advises that if you are in an area of Extreme Fire Danger:

* If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day
* Only stay if your home is specifically designed to withstand fire and you can actively defend it.
* Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property - if in doubt, leave

In general you are advised to:

* Check your bush fire survival plan - Now
* Monitor the fire and weather situation in any way you can: through www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au<http://www.bom.gov.au>, radio or television

If you see a fire, report it immediately by calling '000' and asking for the Fire Brigade!

During days of Very High or Extreme Fire Danger, and on days where a Total Fire Ban has been declared, we will be doing our best to keep everyone informed of any major incidents that might impact on our community. This may not necessarily be a fire in the Blue Mountains, but even a fire in another area can send significant amounts of smoke in our direction.

If you are away from your email, but have internet access, you can keep yourself informed if anything is happening by checking our Updates Blog - http://ruralfirebm.blogspot.com/ - where a copy of every message send out to this list will automatically be posted.

Stay safe,

　

　

Eric.
This email message is intended only for the addressee(s) and contains information which may be confidential.
If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and delete this email and any copies or
links to this email completely and immediately from your system. Views expressed in this message are
those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Blue Mountains Bushfire Update - 24 November 2009

Information from the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre on the bush fire situation at Bell and Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek.

                                                                               

Overview

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS), National Park & Wildlife Service and ACT Rural Fire Service fire fighters have been attending to a number of fires in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks started by lightning.

Inclement weather yesterday prevented any firefighting operations but the rain will assist in slowing any progress of fires that are still active.

Bungleboori Creek Fire is located 8km North of Mt Irvine in remote and rugged terrain and is 10 ha in size. Heavy water bombing on Sunday blackened the edge. There is currently no property under threat.

The Short Creek Fire is located 7km North of Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine and is approximately 30 ha in size. This fire is being contained.

The Nayook Fire is approximately 21km North of Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine in remote and rugged terrain and is approximately 1 ha in size.

The Bell Complex Fire consists of two fires which are now both contained. Crews continued to patrol the area.

The Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek Fire is located 9km north of Hazelbrook and is approximately 2ha in size. There is no property under threat.

Garden of Stones, Newnes State Forest and Wollemi National Park remain closed due to bush fires in the area. Blue Mountains National Park is now open with the exception of trails on the northern side of Bells Line of Road.  For further information relating to National Parks and closures visit the NPWS website.

Strategy

As all fires are in remote areas aircraft deployment is necessary and will depend on favourable visibility. All fires will be flown today for reconnaissance and mapping.

Bungleboori Creek Fire. Remote Area Firefighting Crews will be deployed today to establish a helipad and continue with mopping up along the burnt edge.

The Nayook Fire. Aerial reconnaissance will continue today with the use of water bombing to slow the progression of the fire if appropriate.

The Short Creek Fire – Remote Area Fire Fighting Crews will be deployed to continue with mopping up the edges of the fire ground.

Hurley Heights Trail (Mount Hay Creek)/Mt Whaite– Local brigade crews will continue to patrol the fire ground.

The Bell Complex Fire - Crews will continue patrolling the fire ground and fire trails. Heavy equipment will be used to finalise cleaning/clearing perimeter tracks around Bell, Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine villages.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday:       Mostly cloudy with a shower or two. Maximum temperature 21°, winds from the SE around 30kph.

                Minimum relative humidity of 70%

Wednesday: Dry. Maximum temperature low to mid 20’s. Light, variable winds becoming moderate

                SE/NE in the afternoon.

Specific Fire Information

Being prepared this bush fire season is an important part of protecting your family and home from the impacts of bush fires. A key to being prepared is to understand the level of bush fire risk you and your property are exposed to and the ways you can reduce this risk. The NSW Rural Fire Service website has wide range of bush fire related information for members of the community. Prepare, Act, Survive.

This Section 44 also includes the Lithgow area. Unfortunately, the Lithgow area did not receive as much rain as the Blue Mountains and there are still several active fires in the area. Today, Blue Mountains based resources will commence relocation to Lithgow Fire Control Centre and management of all fires in Blue Mountains and Lithgow will commence this evening from Lithgow Fire Control Centre. Consequently, this will be the last Community Newsletter from the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre. Updates on any fires still continuing in the Blue Mountains will be available on the RFS website.

Check the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au regularly for updates about fire.

Authorised By: Geoff Luscombe - Incident Controller

Cheers,

Kathleen Oakes

Update from Blue Mountains FCC 23 November 2009

Update on bushfire activity from the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre. 8.00pm                          23 November 2009

Section 44 Declared for Blue Mountains/ Lithgow LGA

Low cloud and showers have prevented the deployment of crews and aircraft resources today to the sites of bush fire activity which commenced late last week in remote and rugged terrain in the Blue Mountains/Lithgow areas. Resources will be moved to the Lithgow area tomorrow to enable reconnaissance, mopping up and patrol activities planned for today to continue.

Although milder weather conditions experienced today and forecast for tomorrow will assist in lessening any risk from bushfire activity, residents are advised to ensure that they and their properties remain prepared. Warmer weather conditions are predicted for Wednesday.

Authorised by: Jack Tolhurst – Incident Controller

regards,

Kathleen Oakes

Information from the Blue Mountains FCC 12.30pm update

Bell-Hurley Heights 22-11-2009

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) and National Park & Wildlife Service fire fighters are attending to a number of fires burning in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains National Park. A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Blue Mountains LGA until midnight for the 22/11/09.

Bell-Hurley Heights 21/11/09 2030hrs

8.30pm Update
Overview
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) and National Park & Wildlife Service fighters are attending to a number of fires burning in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains National Park. A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Blue Mountains LGA until midnight for the 22/11/09.
The Bell Complex Fire consists of two fires. The first is approximately 1ha in size and located 1km northeast of Bell, the second is approximately 20ha in size 4km west of Mount Wilson. Ground crews successfully worked throughout the day mopping up and working on containment lines.
The Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek fire is located 9km north of Hazelbrook and is approximately 2ha in size. Crews were supported by aircraft to water bomb the edges of the fire and to assist remote area firefighters to work on containment lines. There is currently no property under threat.
The Short Creek Fire is located 7km North of Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine and is approximately 100 ha in size. With rising temperature and forecasted winds for tomorrow from the NW (gusting to 75 kph) this fire could threaten the townships Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine if fire spotting and intense or erratic fire behaviour occur during the afternoon due to very high fire conditions.

Bell-Hurley Heights

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) and National Park & Wildlife Service fighters are attending to a number of fires burning in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains National Park. A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Blue Mountains LGA until midnight tonight. Fire crews are being assisted by 12 helicopters with the firefighting efforts.

A/Inspector Paul McGrath
Learning & Development Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service
Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780
Phone     02 4784 7444
Direct      02 4784 7419
Fax         02 4784 7461
Mobile    0414 822 159
Email: Paul.McGrath@rfs.nsw.gov.au
//// NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE........ for our community

The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
Microsoft Word - Bell-Hurley Heights Trail Map 21-11-2009.pdf
Microsoft Word - Bell-hurley-short - 211109 1130.pdf

Information from the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre on the bush fire situation at Bell and Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek.

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) and National Park & Wildlife Service fighters are attending to a number of fires burning in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains National Park. A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Blue Mountains LGA until midnight tonight. Fire crews are being assisted by 12 helicopters with the firefighting efforts.

A map of the fire locations is available on the NSW RFS Website - www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Kind regards

Inspector Paul McGrath
Learning & Development Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780

Phone     02 4784 7444

//// NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE........ for our community

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Bush fire situation at Bell and Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek - Blue Mountains

 

Information from the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre on the bush fire situation at Bell and Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek.

 

20 November 2009                                                                                                                       Section 44 Declared for

10.000pm                                                                                                                                                                                    Blue Mountains LGA

                                                                               

Overview

 

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) and National Park & Wildlife Service fighters are attending to a number of fires burning in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains National Park. A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Blue Mountains LGA until midnight 21/11/09.

The Bell Complex Fire consists of two fires. The first is approximately 1ha in size and located 1km northeast of Bell, the second is 4km west of Mount Wilson and burning in an easterly direction. Ground crews will be working through the night to implement containment strategies.

The Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek fire is located 9km north of Hazelbrook and is approximately 2ha in size. This fire will be monitored overnight and remote area firefighting crews will be deployed in the morning if conditions allow. These teams will be supported by water bombing aircraft throughout the day. There is currently no property under threat.

 

Strategy

 

Fire crews will continue to work on containment lines on both the Bell Complex and Hurley fires tomorrow supported by aircraft to water bomb the fires and to assist remote area firefighters to work on containment lines.

 

Crews will be assisted by heavy earth moving equipment to establish and strengthen containment lines to the west of Mount Wilson.

 

A community information point will be established at the Mt Wilson Rural Fire Brigade Station, The Avenue Mt Wilson. Residents are encouraged to attend throughout the day in order to receive updates and advice.

 

Weather Forecast

 

Saturday: Thunderstorms. Temperatures reaching 39 degrees with N/W winds and Humidity of 11%.

                  Severe Fire Danger Warning due to the weather conditions.          

Sunday:   Isolated Showers & Thunderstorm. Temperature mid to high 30’s.

 

Specific Fire Information

 

Due to the extreme conditions in Blue Mountains National Park, all walking trails will be closed until further notice. Cliff top lookouts remain open. For further information relating to National Parks and closures visit the NPWS website. Residents in the vicinity of the fire should ensure their properties remain prepared and they check their bush fire survival plan with severe weather conditions expected over the coming days. Properly prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during a fire.

 

Authorised By: Glenn Meade - Incident Controller

 

 

A/Inspector Paul McGrath
Learning & Development Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780

Phone     02 4784 7444
Direct      02 4784 7419
Fax         02 4784 7461
Mobile    0414 822 159
Email: Paul.McGrath@rfs.nsw.gov.au

//// NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE........ for our community

 

 

 

This email message is intended only for the addressee(s) and contains information which may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender and delete this email and any copies or links to this email completely and immediately from your system. Views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of the NSW Rural Fire Service. 

Bush Fire Update and Total Fire Ban Advice

Good Evening Everyone,

Watch and Act - Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek Fire Fire Update 20/11/09 20:45
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) firefighters are attending to a number of fires burning in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains and Lithgow area.
A Section 44 Bushfire Emergency has been declared for the Lithgow and Blue Mountains Local Government Areas. See http://bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=8790&CAT_ID=76 for more details.

Total Fire Ban
On Saturday, hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to increase fire dangers to dangerous levels in parts of NSW.

A TOTAL FIRE BAN has been declared for tomorrow, Saturday 21 November 2009.
The Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service will TOTALLY BAN THE LIGHTING OF FIRES from midnight tonight [Thursday 19th of November] until midnight tomorrow night [Friday 20th of November] in the following NSW Fire Areas:
Greater Hunter, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes, North Western,
Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains,
Far Western, Greater Sydney Region.
The Blue Mountains Local Government Area is part of the Greater Sydney Region Fire Area.
The Fire Danger Rating for Greater Sydney Region is Severe [50-74].
　
The NSW Rural Fire Service warns that any bush fire that starts has the potential to threaten lives and destroy homes.

What does this mean?
I'm glad you asked. Today will be warm, dry and windy. This combination can effect fire behaviour and cause smaller fires to increase in size and intensity quite rapidly. The lower humidity and strong winds are of great concern.

Volunteer Firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service will be on stand-by at a number of locations throughout the area from 10am Thursday morning.

What can I do?
Be aware. If a bushfire does get going, the situation can change very quickly.

* If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day
* Only stay if your home is well prepared and you can actively defend it.
* Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property - if in doubt, leave

During days of Very High or Extreme Fire Danger, and on days where a Total Fire Ban has been declared, we will be doing our best to keep everyone informed of any major incidents that might impact on our community. This may not necessarily be a fire in the Blue Mountains, but even a fire in another area can send significant amounts of smoke in our direction.

If you are away from your email, but have internet access, you can keep yourself informed if anything is happening by checking our Updates Blog - http://ruralfirebm.blogspot.com/ - where a copy of every message send out to this list will automatically be posted.

For more information about Total Fire Bans, visit http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=1109.

If you see a fire, report it immediately by calling '000' and asking for the Fire Brigade!

Update - bush fire situation in Wollemi National Park (Hawkesbury District)

There is currently no bushfire activity in the Blue Mountains District.

A number of fires are burning in the Wollemi National Park (Hawkesbury District), north of the Blue Mountains. Click on the "More Information" link for details of these fires, or visit http://www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=8777&CAT_ID=724.

Update - Hazelbrook fire contained

The fire burning near Hall Parade at north Hazelbrook has been contained.
Fire crews are now working on extinguishing any remaining hotspots.
No further updates will be issued for this fire unless the situation changes.

Bushfire Advice - Hazelbrook - 0625hrs 20 Nov 2009

Good Morning,

Units from NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire Brigades have been called to a small area of bush alight at the end of Hall Parade at Hazelbrook, near Fern Ave.

There is currently no threat to property.

Firefighting units are currently on scene and working to extinguish the fire.
Generally under current weather conditions there is no immediate danger to your life and fires can be easily controlled.

In these conditions terrain is more likely to affect fire behaviour than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity.

A Total Fire Ban remains in force until Midnight tonight.

Further information will be provided if the situation changes.

Regards,
Eric

TOTAL FIRE BAN - 20/11/2009

Good Evening Everyone,

On Friday, hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to increase fire dangers to dangerous levels in parts of NSW.

A TOTAL FIRE BAN has been declared for tomorrow, Friday 20 November 2009.

The Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service will TOTALLY BAN THE LIGHTING OF FIRES from midnight tonight [Thursday 19th of November] until midnight tomorrow night [Friday 20th of November] in the following NSW Fire Areas:

Greater Hunter, Central Ranges, Southern Ranges, Monaro Alpine, Northern Slopes, North Western, Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains, Southern Slopes, Eastern Riverina, Northern Riverina, Southern Riverina, Far Western, South Western, Greater Sydney Region.

The Blue Mountains Local Government Area is part of the Greater Sydney Region Fire Area.

The Fire Danger Rating for Greater Sydney Region is Severe [50-74].

　

The NSW Rural Fire Service warns that any bush fire that starts has the potential to threaten lives and destroy homes.

What does this mean?

I'm glad you asked. Today will be warm, dry and windy. This combination can effect fire behaviour and cause smaller fires to increase in size and intensity quite rapidly. The lower humidity and strong winds are of great concern.

Volunteer Firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service will be on stand-by at a number of locations throughout the area from 10am Thursday morning.

What can I do?

Be aware. If a bushfire does get going, the situation can change very quickly.

• If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day
• Only stay if your home is well prepared and you can actively defend it.
• Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property - if in doubt, leave

During days of Very High or Extreme Fire Danger, and on days where a Total Fire Ban has been declared, we will be doing our best to keep everyone informed of any major incidents that might impact on our community. This may not necessarily be a fire in the Blue Mountains, but even a fire in another area can send significant amounts of smoke in our direction.

If you are away from your email, but have internet access, you can keep yourself informed if anything is happening by checking our Updates Blog - http://ruralfirebm.blogspot.com/ - where a copy of every message send out to this list will automatically be posted.

For more information about Total Fire Bans, visit http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=1109.

If you see a fire, report it immediately by calling '000' and asking for the Fire Brigade!

Stay safe,

Eric.

Inspector Eric J Berry
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

Community Meeting at South Katoomba tonight

South Katoomba will be holding its second community bushfire awareness information night this Wednesday 18/11/09 at the South Katoomba RFB Station (entry through the carpark at the Katoomba Swimming/Leisure Centre) at 1930hrs. The purpose of these meetings is to explain to the local community how the NSW Rural Fire Service web site works for self assessment of an individual’s property for bushfire protection. We are also providing practical assistance for residents to assess their own properties to improve their bushfire survival rate.

Our first community meeting attracted up to 35 residents and we are hoping to at least attract the same number again.

A light supper will be provided at the conclusion of the presentation.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there.

Steve Parrott

Captain

South Katoomba RFB

Total Fire Ban

A Total Fire Ban has been declared from Midnight tonight for 24 hours for the Greater Sydney Area, including the Blue Mountains.
Residents should prepare to activate their bushfire survival plan.
During a Total Fire Ban, on fires may be lit and only electric or gas barbecues may be used close to a residential building.
All fire permits are suspended from midnight tonight.
For further information about Total Fire Ban rules, visit http://www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/.

Total Fire Ban Information - 12:00 Tuesday 3 November 2009

REPORT ALL FIRES TO '000'.

Do not waste valuable time trying to call your local Fire Station, as it may be unattended. For a rapid response to any emergency, always call Triple Zero - '000'.

There is currently no bushfire activity in the Blue Mountains area.

http://www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?CAT_ID=735

Hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to increase fire dangers to dangerous levels in parts of NSW today - including the Blue Mountains District. A Total Fire Ban is in force until Midnight tonight [Tuesday 3 November].

How high is the Fire Danger today?

A Severe Fire Danger [FDI 50-74] is forecast for today. This means that any bushfire that starts has the potential to threaten lives and destroy homes. Fires will likely be uncontrollable and fast-moving, with flames that may be higher than rooftops.

What is the weather doing?

Weather Forecast for Tuesday

Isolated showers and thunderstorms, clearing early this morning, but redeveloping later in the afternoon or evening. Fresh to strong west to northwest winds ahead of a west to southwest change later in the afternoon or evening.

Fire danger: Locally Severe [50-74]

Katoomba : Chance late shower/thunderstorm.  Max:   29

Springwood: Chance late shower/thunderstorm.  Max:   35

Winds are coming from the West to North-West at up to 65km/h.

From the above you can see that the weather will be hot and windy ahead of a cooler change tonight. The change is forecast to move through the Blue Mountains sometime between 4:00pm and 8:00pm this evening, with strong winds gusting up to 60km/h.

What should I do?

The Rural Fire Service advises that if you are in an area of Severe Fire Danger:

• If you plan to leave, finalise your options and leave early on the day
• Only stay if your home is well prepared and you can actively defend it.
• Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property - if in doubt, leave.

In general you are advised to:

• Check your bush fire survival plan - Now
• Monitor the fire and weather situation in any way you can: through http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ and http://www.bom.gov.au/, radio or television
• Call Triple Zero if you see a fire

Regards,

Eric.

Inspector Eric J Berry
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

total fire ban for tuesday

A total fire ban has been declared for 24 hours from midnight tonight (monday) until midnight tomorrow (tuesday) for the greater sydney area, including the blue mountains.

All fire permits are suspended.

For further information, visit http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

hail storm at katoomba

A hail storm, with hail up to 2cm in size is currently moving through the katoomba area.