http://www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=9279&CAT_ID=76
Information from Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre, Katoomba on Bush Fire Situation in the Blue Mountains Council area.
Issued at 0900hrs on 16th December 2009
Grose Head South Fire
Current Situation
NSW Rural Fire Service, National Park & Wildlife Service and ACT firefighters continue 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 is now contained and there is no threat to property. The fire danger rating for today is very high.
Yesterday, Remote Area Firefighters successfully worked on mopping up and working on containment lines, assisted by water bombing aircraft. They will be deployed onto the fire ground today to patrol the edge of the fire ground and mop up hot spots and smouldering trees ahead of forecast strong and erratic winds associated with thunderstorms this afternoon. Water bombing aircraft are continuing to support crews.
Heavy earth moving equipment will continue work today, clearing between the western side of Booker Road Hawkesbury Heights to the eastern side of the playing fields at St Columba's High School Winmalee as a precautionary measure as part of the overall containment strategy.
Tom Hunter Park, Faulconbridge
The air operations will continue to operate from Tom Hunter Park on Hunter Way, Faulconbridge. Residents around the park area will see aircraft and support vehicle movements around the area throughout today and the next few days. Tom Hunter Park will remain closed until further notice.
Advice
While there is no immediate threat to property, residents in the areas of Hawkesbury Heights, Bowen Mountain, Grose Vale, Grose Wold, Winmalee and Yarramundi should continue to monitor the situation. Residents should remain vigilant and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan.
Residents should be prepared to implement their Bush Fire Survival Plans and stay informed of current fire activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the RFS website or Information Line. If you are concerned about bush fire hazards on your property, or the property adjacent to you, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) can provide advice regarding preparing your property against bush fires and what you have to do in the event of a bush fire.
This advice is free and can be arranged by contacting your local RFS Fire Control Centre and speaking with one of the officers.
Weather Forecast
Today 16/12/09 – Cloudy at first, but clearing during the morning. NE winds to 35km/h. Maximum Temperature of 35 degrees and Minimum Relative Humidity of 28%.
Thursday 17/12/09 – Dry. W/NW winds to 30 km/h. Maximum Temperature near 40 degrees and Minimum Relative Humidity near 25%.
Friday 18/12/09 - Rain periods and chance of a thunderstorm. SE winds 25km/h. Maximum Temperature 25 degrees and Minimum Relative Humidity near 75%.
Saturday 19/12/09 – Dry. SE/SW winds 25km/h. Maximum Temperature 30 degrees and Minimum Relative Humidity near 30%
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
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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