28 February 2011

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Severe Thunderstorm Warning - 28 Feb - 14:40hrs

Good Afternoon,
 
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.
 
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra and Central Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Penrith, Campbelltown, Orange, Bathurst and Katoomba.
 
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and
balcony.
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest
available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets
indoors as well.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES [NSW and
ACT] on 132 500.
 
For emergency assistance call '000' immediately.
 
Regards,
Eric.
 
 
Inspector Eric Berry
Community Safety Officer
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE                         
Blue Mountains District
Cnr Valley and Bathurst Roads
Katoomba NSW 2780
 
T: 02 4784 7444
M: 0414 195 615
F: 02 4784 7461
 
 
 
 
 
RFS Disclaimer:
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.

12 February 2011

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Severe thunderstorm warning

The bureau of meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Central Tablelands. Very heavy rainfall has been recorded at Oberon (35mm in 30 minutes) and as the storm spreads there is also a risk of flash flooding.

The storm cells are approaching the Mountains area. Residents should take care when driving, especially if minor flooding starts to affect roads.

For emergency assistance and life-threatening emergencies call '000' immediately. For assistance with minor flooding or storm damage contact the State Emergency Service on 131 500.

11 February 2011

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Prescribed Burning Advice for 11-13 February 2011

Good Afternoon Everyone,
 
Please find below information relating to planned prescribed burns in the Blue Mountains District for the next 3 days.
 
Prescribed Burn (Hazard Reduction) Notification
 
Please be advised that the NSW Rural Fire Service, Blue Mountains District are intending to undertake prescribed burning, weather permitting, at the following locations this week:
 
 
Date              Friday 11th  February 2011
Name of HR              Bonnie Doon HR
Location                Between Farnells Rd and Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba
Size                    Approx 3.2 hectares
The hazard reduction will commence at approx 1900hrs. There may be large amounts of smoke in the vicinity.
 
 
Date              Friday 11th  February 2011
Name of HR              Blaxland RFB APZ HR
Location                Blaxland RFB on Attunga Rd
Size                    Approx 0.5 hectares
The hazard reduction will commence at approx 1900hrs. There may be large amounts of smoke in the vicinity
 
 
Date              Sunday 13th  February 2011
Name of HR              Burns Rd HR
Location                Eastern End of Bonton and Park Rds, Valley Heights
Size                    Approx 3 hectares
The hazard reduction will commence at approx 0900hrs. There may be large amounts of smoke in the vicinity.
 
 
For further information please contact the NSW Rural Fire Service District Office, Katoomba on 4784 7444.
 
Regards,
 
 
 
 
David Hoadley
District Manager      
 
This information is provided on behalf of the Acting District Manager, Superintendent David Hoadley.
 
 
 
Inspector Eric Berry
Community Safety Officer
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE                         
Blue Mountains District
Cnr Valley and Bathurst Roads
Katoomba NSW 2780
 
T: 02 4784 7444
M: 0414 195 615
F: 02 4784 7461
 
www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au
 
 
 
RFS Disclaimer:
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.

05 February 2011

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Final Incident Update - Fire Contained - Megalong & Kanimbla Valley 13:45 5 Feb 2011

This is the final message relating to this fire and no further updates will be sent unless there is a significant change to the current situation.
 
A bush fire has been burning in the Megalong Valley/Kanimbla Valley area adjacent to the Cox's River.
 
Current Situation
This fire has now been contained. Firefighters and helicopter crews will be continuing to work on blacking out the fire, ensuring that all burning material is extinguished, and will remain on scene for some time to come.
 
The fire has burned approximately 3-4 hectares. The fire is located within the Lithgow Local Government Area.
 
The additional firefighting units that were on standby have been stood down and will be returning to their stations.
 
  
Advice
All residents of the Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys are advised to continue monitoring conditions in your area.
 
Other information
There is currently a fire burning in the Londonderry/Castlereagh area, approximately 7km east of Hawkesbury Heights. Smoke from this fire may be visible in the lower Mountains.
 
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://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. (1800 NSW RFS)
• For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.
 

Incident Update - Megalong/Kanimbla Valley - 13:00hrs 5 Feb 2011


A bush fire is burning in the Megalong Valley/Kanimbla Valley area adjacent to the Cox's River.
Current Situation
The fire is currently approximately 3-4 hectares in size and is being controlled by a combination of firefighting units on the ground and helicopters water-bombing from the air. The fire is currently located within the Lithgow Local Government Area. It is partially in an inaccessible area adjacent to the Cox's River between the Kanimbla and Megalong Valleys. This part of the fire will intially be attacked by the helicopters. Firefighters on the ground with light, medium and heavy tankers, from both Lithgow and Blue Mountains Districts are working on the remainder of the fire.
Additional firefighting units and a forward command vehicle are being staged at Megalong Valley for rapid deployment if required.
 
Fire Behaviour:
• Variable based on local conditions
Fire Intensity:
• Fires can be controlled
• Spot fires can occur close to the main fire
Fire Impact:
• Loss of life unlikely and damage to property will be limited
• Well prepared and actively defended houses can offer safety during a fire
Advice
All residents of the Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys, as well as immediately surrounding areas, are advised to monitor conditions in your area.
Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan.
If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.
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 http://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. (1800 NSW RFS)
• For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au/. Roads may be closed without warning.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Initial Incident Notification - Megalong Valley

Rural Fire Service crews are responding to a confirmed fire in the vicinity of Peach Tree Road at Megalong Valley.
At this stage the fire is small, however under the current weather conditions it may increase in size rapidly.
Residents in the vicinity are advised to activate their bushfire action plans and be vigilant for falling embers and smoke.
Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

Prescribed burn update 00:30

Good morning everyone,
Firefighters successfully completed the small prescribed burn at Blaxland late in the evening and have now finished blacking-out the area, ensuring that the area is safe ahead of the hot weather predicted for Saturday.
Firefighters and officers will remain in attendance throughout the night and rest of today to ensure there is no chance of any reignition.
Some calls were recieved from residents yesterday afternoon complaining about smoke in the area, however as most of these were recieved in the hour prior to this burn being commenced, additional personnel were dispatched to inspect the area from East Blaxland to Mt Riverview.
No fire or smoke was found and investigating firefighters were unable to ascertain the cause of this smell.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for their assistance and support during this operation.

04 February 2011

Total Fire Ban Advice for Saturday 5 Feb 2011 - Greater Sydney and other areas

Good Afternoon Everyone,
 
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 5 February 2011.
 
 
The Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service will TOTALLY BAN THE LIGHTING OF FIRES from midnight tonight [Friday 4 Feb 2011] until midnight tomorrow night [Saturday 5 Feb 2011] in the following NSW Fire Areas:
 
Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region
Central Ranges, Monaro Alpine,
 
The Blue Mountains Local Government Area is part of the Greater Sydney Region Fire Area.
 
What does this mean?
 
Saturday will be very 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 - and presence of very high temperatures - is of great concern.
 
After another very warm night tonight, temperatures in the lower Mountains will climb into the mid-40's and the upper Mountains will see mid-to-high-30's. West- to North-West winds will strengthen during the day. A late wind change is possible later on Saturday evening.
 
Saturday will be very hot across Sydney with temperatures into the forties in many suburbs with a very warm night to follow, but cloudy conditions on Sunday and a cooler southerly change during the afternoon will provide welcome relief from the heat, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
 
Volunteer Firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service will be on stand-by at a number of locations throughout the area.
 
During a Total Fire Ban no fire may be lit in the open and all Fire permits are suspended. This includes incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, e.g. wood or charcoal.  
 
You may use a gas or electric barbecue, but only if:
 
  • It is on a residential property within 20 metres of the house or dwelling
  • It is a picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest
  • It is under the direct control of a responsible adult
  • The ground within 2 metres of the barbecue is cleared of all materials which could burn
  • You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available
 
Lighting a fire on a day of Total Fire Ban attracts a fine of up to $5500 and/or 12 months gaol. Penalties for a fire that escapes and damages or destroys life, property or the environment can attract much greater fines and gaol terms with maximums at $100,000 and/or 14 years gaol.  
 
 
What else can I do?
 
Be aware. If a bushfire does get going, the situation can change very quickly. Be prepared to activate your Bushfire Survival Plan.
 
People should take simple precautions to ensure they stay healthy in the heat by staying well hydrated, avoiding alcohol and hot or sugary drinks, limiting your physical activity and trying to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you can, it's a good idea to spend some time in an air-conditioned building.
 
Signs of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating. People showing any of these signs should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or local emergency department. For life-threatening emergencies, call '000' immediately.
 
During 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 see a fire, report it immediately by calling '000' and asking for the Fire Brigade!
 
 
 
Stay safe,
 
Eric.
 
Inspector Eric Berry
Community Safety Officer
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE                         
Blue Mountains District
Cnr Valley and Bathurst Roads
Katoomba NSW 2780
 
T: 02 4784 7444
M: 0414 195 615
F: 02 4784 7461
 
www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au
 
 
 
RFS Disclaimer:
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.

Prescribed Burning Notification Friday 4 Feb 2011 [Blaxland]

Prescribed Burning Notification

Please be advised that the NSW Rural Fire Service, Blue Mountains District is intending to undertake prescribed (hazard reduction) burning on the evening of Friday, 4th February 2011.

Weather permitting, units from the Rural Fire Service will be carrying out a hazard reduction burn at the following location, on behalf of the land manager:

Name of HR:   Yoogali Terrace
Location:        Yoogali Terrace, East Blaxland
Size:               0.5 hectares

There may be some amount of smoke in the vicinity after 20:00hrs (8.00pm). Firefighters will be in attendance throughout the activity.

For further information please contact the NSW Rural Fire Service District Office, Katoomba on 4784 7444.

Regards,
David Hoadley
A/ District Manager