20 November 2009

[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
 
 
 
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