[rfs-bluemountains-information] Afternoon Storms - Sunday 1 Apr, 3pm

Good Afternoon Everyone,

A band of thunderstorms are moving towards the Mountains this afternoon. There is some electrical activity and cells of intense, torrential rain.

Please be aware of lightning and thunder if using electrical devices and take care if driving in sudden downpours. 

For further information, visit www.bom.gov.au 

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Change your clocks, change your smoke alarm batteries this weekend!

Firefighters are urging householders to change their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks at the end of Daylight Saving on April 1.

 

Taking a few minutes to ensure smoke alarms were working properly could buy valuable time for families during an emergency.

 

Every year, smoke alarms alert hundreds of NSW families to fires in their homes, allowing them a safe escape.

 

Smoke alarms can save lives but only if they are in proper working order. A smoke alarm with a flat battery is just as bad as no smoke alarm at all.

 

In 2011, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) attended almost 5000 home fires which tragically killed 20 people and injured hundreds of others.

 

It is vital that you protect yourself and your family by making sure you have working smoke alarms. It only takes a few minutes for fire to engulf a home, destroying property, possessions and lives. It's crucial you test your smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. In the event of a fire, call Triple Zero (000) from a safe place and wait for firefighters to arrive.

 

It is also recommended that photo-electric smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms and hallways.

 

It's also essential for people to install smoke alarms in caravans, campervans and other moveable dwellings where people sleep under new laws introduced on 25 February 2011.

 

 

 

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.rfs.nsw.gov.au

www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au

 

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Flood Information sources & National Park closures

Friends,

On behalf of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, please find below a link to closure information relating to the Blue Mountains NP. 

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkFireClosure.aspx?id=N0004

Please remember that significant amounts of rain are still predicted for the general area, along with possible minor-to-moderate flooding in some of the surrounding rivers and catchment areas.

As mentioned yesterday:

For further information, please refer to one of the following (as appropriate):

For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately!

For storm/flood assistance, call the State Emergency Service 132 500

NSW SES Current Information & Warnings - http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/news/

NSW SES on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NSW.SES

Bureau of Meteorology Warnings for NSW - http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

RTA Live Traffic Information (Including road closures) - http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au or call 132 701

Local Updates:

Blue Mountains SES Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Mountains-SES/228135580578727

Blue Mountains LAC NSW Police Force - https://www.facebook.com/BlueMountainsLAC

Blue Mountains City Council - http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au

Blue Mountains District NSW RFS Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/RFS-Blue-Mountains-District/183593338352848

Penrith SES Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/PenrithSES

Penrith LAC NSW Police Force - https://www.facebook.com/PenrithLAC

Hawkesbury LAC NSW Police force - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawkesbury-LAC-NSW-Police-Force/192059040861408?sk=wall

Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater!

Floodwater can be deeper and faster flowing than it appears. It can contain hidden snags, debris and contaminants such as sewage, chemicals and dead animals. Floodwater can erode road surfaces. Entering floodwater is the major cause of death during floods.

Above all, Keep Calm and Stay Safe!

Regards,

Blue Mountains Emergency Services, working together.

%kcco%

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Significant Weather Information Tuesday 28 February 2012

Folks,

As you are hopefully aware, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued some significant weather alerts for the rest of this week.

In collaboration with our colleagues in the State Emergency Service, we would like everyone to please take note of the following information. 

NOTE: Please, if you haven't already done it, clean out your gutters! Heavy rain can cause downpipes to back up and block with debris, which can then flow into your roof, ceiling, walls and home. (It also helps in a bushfire, but that's for another day)


Today at 3:56 pm they issued an updated advice. 

The Bureau of Meteorology warned today that heavy rain and thunderstorms pose a
significant flood threat to large parts of the southern half of NSW inlcuding
the ACT.

The Bureau has issued a Severe Weather Warning and Flood Watch for a large part
of central and southern NSW with heavy rain developing today and increasing on
Wednesday and Thursday. The Nepean-Hawkesbury River which provides a border to
western Sydney is included in the Flood Watch and is likely to flood before the
end of the week.


You can read the text and full warning at http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDN38503.txt. 

The threat to our communities is twofold - one is the effects of very heavy rain (with possible damage and flash flooding), the other is of moderate flooding in surrounding areas. 

For further information, please refer to one of the following (as appropriate):

For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately!

For storm/flood assistance, call the State Emergency Service 132 500

NSW SES Current Information & Warnings - http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/news/
NSW SES Flood Safety Advice - http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/news/2011/nswsesfloodsafetyadvice

Bureau of Meteorology Warnings for NSW - http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

RTA Live Traffic Information (Including road closures) - http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au or call 132 701

Local Updates:
Blue Mountains SES Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Mountains-SES/228135580578727
Blue Mountains LAC NSW Police Force - https://www.facebook.com/BlueMountainsLAC
Blue Mountains City Council - http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au 
Blue Mountains District NSW RFS Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/RFS-Blue-Mountains-District/183593338352848

Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater!

Floodwater can be deeper and faster flowing than it appears. It can contain hidden snags, debris and contaminants such as sewage, chemicals and dead animals. Floodwater can erode road surfaces. Entering floodwater is the major cause of death during floods.

Above all, Keep Calm and Stay Safe!

Regards,

Eric (RFS) and John (SES)

%kcco%

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Severe Thunderstorm Warning 12:00 Midday 13 Feb 2012

A severe thunderstorm warning for possible flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds has been issued for a large area of New South Wales, including the Central Tablelands and Greater Sydney Area.

There are currently thunderstorm cells building to the West and South-West of Katoomba and Blackheath, which may move into the Blue Mountains over the next few hours. Motorists should take care during storms and be prepared for rapid, heavy rain and poor visibility. 

For full details visit http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN65156.shtml 

To view the rain radar, visit http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR713.loop.shtml 

For help during floods and storms, call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

For life-threatening emergencies call '000' immediately!

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. 

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Thunderstorm Advice - 1pm Mon 6 Feb 2012

Hi Folks, Friends and Families,

 

Although no formal warning has been issued, this short email is just to let you know that there is a thunderstorm moving east through the Mountains. At time of writing this, it is just to the north of Blackheath. There is very heavy rainfall and some lightning associated with this cell. It appears to be heading down the Grose Valley towards Grose Vale and Grose Wold, then onto the Plains.

 

You can view the rain radar at, amongst other locations, the BOM website and also at http://www.weatherzone.com.au/radar/nsw/sydney/128km

 

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.rfs.nsw.gov.au

www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au

 

KCCO

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Severe Weather Warning - Thursday 2 Feb 2012

Morning All,

 

A severe weather warning for possible heavy rain and flash flooding is current for parts of the Central Tablelands and Sydney Metropolitan areas. For detailed information visit http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/severe.shtml - the warning is due to be reviewed about 11:00am today.

 

The weather conditions in the Mountains are truly awful today if you’re driving, with heavy fog, rain and the added challenge of water pooling on – or flowing across – many roads. Visibility is marginal in many places.

 

We urge everyone who is driving today to turn your low beam headlights on (parking lights are not visible in heavy fog), reduce speed and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front. It might also be prudent to allow a little extra time for your journey and be aware that very heavy showers of rain are likely.

 

If you’d like to see a little of what it’s like up here this morning, check out http://youtu.be/f69Z5HmSXaY - a 42 second clip from my dash-cam from about an hour ago. The rattling noise you can hear is the rain hitting the windscreen.

 

Stay Calm, 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.rfs.nsw.gov.au

www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au

 

KCCO

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Severe Thunderstorm warning issued

At 13:00 today (1pm) a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the area, including Katoomba.

Thunder, lightning, very heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds are possible over the next several hours.

There is currently one storm cell almost over Katoomba and another forming to the south.

For life-threatening emergencies call 000 immediately
For assistance with storm damage call the State Emergency Service on 132 500

Regards,
Eric.

Sent from my lounge chair

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.

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Thunderstorms Again

Hi Everyone!

 

This is an early heads-up for you all.

 

Today’s forecast includes the possibility of thunderstorms and there are some brewing. Currently the area just west of Lithgow, and another area near Jenolan, are receiving some storm activity although at this stage the storm cells are still to the south-west of Katoomba. There are more cells down to the south-west of the Southern Highlands. All of these storm cells are moving slowly to the north-east, so they might come to give us a bit of attention later in the afternoon or early evening.

 

There’s no warnings current for the Central Tablelands or Greater Sydney areas, although if that situation changes we’ll try to let you know promptly.

 

Meanwhile, keep a weather eye out. J

 

If you want to have a look at the rain radar, visit http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR713.loop.shtml#skip

 

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

 

www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au

 

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Hazard Reduction tonight at Blaxland

There is currently a small hazard reduction burn being undertaken in Rosella Cl, Blaland. There is some smoke visible in the area.

For further information, see http://www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info_latest.cfm?CON_ID=15554

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.

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Man arrested over Blue Mountains bushfire

Good news everyone!

 

 

From the Telegraph’s website:

A MAN has been arrested following investigations into a deliberately-lit bushfire in the Blue Mountains last year.

The bushfire began on the afternoon of October 24 at Katoomba Cascades and burnt an area of about 19 hectares, damaging a number houses.

A man was arrested at Katoomba this morning by detectives attached to the Arson Unit’s Strike Force Tronto and the Blue Mountains Local Area Command.

The 2011-2012 bushfire season continues this month and police urge anyone who notices a bushfire or any suspicious activity to contact Triple Zero (000).

Information about the deliberate lighting of bushfires can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/man-arrested-over-blue-mountains-bushfire/story-fn7y9brv-1226242322590?sv=76754f0bbea8624996d824820479bd05

 

 

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.rfs.nsw.gov.au

www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au

 

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Thunderstorms ahoy!

Hi again everyone,

It's a warm summer afternoon and that often means something special for The Mountains - you guessed it, thunderstorm time.

There is a cell building west of Katoomba that is heading this way, and an absolute belter (the scientific term) out further west of the tablelands.

No formal warning has been issued by the weather bureau yet, so this is just a quick heads-up for those who might want to power-down their expensive computers etc.

Cheers,
Eric

Sent from my iPhone

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.

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Severe Thunderstorm Warning - 20:10hrs 05 Dec 2011

Friends,

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is current for the Central Tablelands area. A Number of storm cells are moving through the area.

An intense cell, currently out near Trunkey, is moving north-east towards the mid and upper Blue Mountains, including Katoomba, Hazelbrook and adjoining villages, later moving down the Mountains. Heavy rain, hail and even some flash flooding are possible, along with lightning & thunder.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the NSW SES on 132 500.

For life-threatening emergencies, ring '000' immediately!

Stay safe, stay calm,

Eric

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.

No fires without a permit!

Over the past few weeks there has been a proliferation (a rapid increase in numbers) of illegal fires. It appears that the majority of these are people burning off on private property without a permit.

The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period runs from October 1st to March 31st. If you are planning to light a fire in the open during this time, you will need a permit!

You will also need to obtain an “Open Burning Approval” from Blue Mountains City Council. Some properties in rural areas of the Mountains have a "class exemption", whilst those properties in and around the townships generally do not (with a very few exemptions).

You may also need an environmental approval or Hazard Reduction Certificate (HRC) from the RFS.

Fire permits are not required for fires for the purpose of heating or cooking, provided that:
- the fire is in a permanently constructed fireplace;
- at a site surrounded by ground that is cleared of all combustible materials for a distance of at least two metres all around;
- The fire is completely extinguished before leaving

Substantial fines and prison terms of up to 12 months may apply to persons who light fires without a permit & appropriate approvals.

For information about Open Burning in the Blue Mountains, visit http://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/ and search for “open air burning”.

For information about a Fire Permit, visit http://tinyurl.com/fire-permit.

To apply for a permit, or a Hazard Reduction Certificate, contact the RFS District Office on 02 4784 7444.