Information from Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre, Katoomba on Bush Fire Situation in the Blue Mountains Council area.
Issued at 1000hrs on 13th December 2009
Grose Head South Fire
Situation
NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters from Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and National Parks Wildlife Service have continued to strengthen containment lines for the Grose Head South fire, in a remote area, 5 kilometres west of Yarramundi on Kariwoga Ridge south of the Grose River. The fire has burnt approximately 80 hectares of bushland in remote and rugged terrain. The fire continues to burn uncontained, however there are no immediate threats to property.
Today, Remote Area Firefighters will be deployed to work on containment lines and mop up the edges of the fire. Crews will be supported by water bombing aircraft, including the Air Crane. The water bombing aircraft will continue to work the active edges of the fire to slow its progression. The latest technology in aerial reconnaissance will be used again today. The Air View helicopter is fitted with high definition video and infrared imaging equipment that can stream live footage of the fire direct to the incident management team that assists in identifying hotspots and the fire activity.
Heavy earth moving equipment has cleared the Bees Nest Trail between Springwood Ridge and Shaws Ridge north of Winmalee to consolidate containment lines. This will continue today as part of the overall containment strategy.
Advice
While there is no immediate threat to property, people in the areas of Hawkesbury Heights, Bowen Mountain, Grose Vale, Grose Wold, Winmalee and Yarramundi should continue to monitor the situation. Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. In High fire danger conditions, terrain is more likely to affect fire behaviour than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity.
Weather Forecast
Today 13/12/09 - Maximum Temperature 32 degrees, 20-37% Relative Humidity, winds from the NW turning ESE later in the day, 20Kph gusting to 30Kph. Fire Danger Rating is High. In High fire danger conditions terrain is more likely to affect fire behaviour than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity.
Monday 14/12/09 – A few showers. E/SE winds to 30Kph. Maximum Temperature of 25 degrees and Minimum Relative Humidity of 50%.
Tuesday 15/12/09 - Shower or two. SE/NE winds to 25km/h. Maximum Temperature of 29 degrees. Minimum Relative Humidity about 40%.
Information
National Parks and Council Reserve closures
All walking trails in the Springwood Ridge, Blue Gum swamp and Shaws Ridge north of Winmalee will remain closed until further notice. For further information on National Park Closures go to the National Parks & Wildlife Service website www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks
Bush Fire Survival Plan
If you live in or near the bush It is your responsibility to prepare yourself, your family and your home for the threat of bush fire. You need to make the decision to either Leave Early or Stay and Defend. Regardless of your decision you must prepare your property to give you, your family and your home the best chance of survival.
For information on obtaining and preparing a Bush Fire Survival Plan go to the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
· Updates on this fire and the current and the Fire Danger Rating in your area are available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling call 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
· For information on Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
· For information in relation to bush fire hazards and preparing your property contact your local Rural Fire Brigade Station or your local NSW RFS Fire Control Centre.
· If you need to report a new fire or require urgent assistance, dial Triple Zero (000).
PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE.
Authorised by Incident Controller Supt. Tom Shirt, Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre.
Issued by the Incident Management Team on behalf of the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Inspector Paul McGrath
Public Liaison Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service
Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780
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