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.

Blue Mountains Bushfire Update - 24 November 2009

Information from the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre on the bush fire situation at Bell and Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek.

                                                                               

Overview

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS), National Park & Wildlife Service and ACT Rural Fire Service fire fighters have been attending to a number of fires in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks started by lightning.

Inclement weather yesterday prevented any firefighting operations but the rain will assist in slowing any progress of fires that are still active.

Bungleboori Creek Fire is located 8km North of Mt Irvine in remote and rugged terrain and is 10 ha in size. Heavy water bombing on Sunday blackened the edge. There is currently no property under threat.

The Short Creek Fire is located 7km North of Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine and is approximately 30 ha in size. This fire is being contained.

The Nayook Fire is approximately 21km North of Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine in remote and rugged terrain and is approximately 1 ha in size.

The Bell Complex Fire consists of two fires which are now both contained. Crews continued to patrol the area.

The Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek Fire is located 9km north of Hazelbrook and is approximately 2ha in size. There is no property under threat.

Garden of Stones, Newnes State Forest and Wollemi National Park remain closed due to bush fires in the area. Blue Mountains National Park is now open with the exception of trails on the northern side of Bells Line of Road.  For further information relating to National Parks and closures visit the NPWS website.

Strategy

As all fires are in remote areas aircraft deployment is necessary and will depend on favourable visibility. All fires will be flown today for reconnaissance and mapping.

Bungleboori Creek Fire. Remote Area Firefighting Crews will be deployed today to establish a helipad and continue with mopping up along the burnt edge.

The Nayook Fire. Aerial reconnaissance will continue today with the use of water bombing to slow the progression of the fire if appropriate.

The Short Creek Fire – Remote Area Fire Fighting Crews will be deployed to continue with mopping up the edges of the fire ground.

Hurley Heights Trail (Mount Hay Creek)/Mt Whaite– Local brigade crews will continue to patrol the fire ground.

The Bell Complex Fire - Crews will continue patrolling the fire ground and fire trails. Heavy equipment will be used to finalise cleaning/clearing perimeter tracks around Bell, Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine villages.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday:       Mostly cloudy with a shower or two. Maximum temperature 21°, winds from the SE around 30kph.

                Minimum relative humidity of 70%

Wednesday: Dry. Maximum temperature low to mid 20’s. Light, variable winds becoming moderate

                SE/NE in the afternoon.

Specific Fire Information

Being prepared this bush fire season is an important part of protecting your family and home from the impacts of bush fires. A key to being prepared is to understand the level of bush fire risk you and your property are exposed to and the ways you can reduce this risk. The NSW Rural Fire Service website has wide range of bush fire related information for members of the community. Prepare, Act, Survive.

This Section 44 also includes the Lithgow area. Unfortunately, the Lithgow area did not receive as much rain as the Blue Mountains and there are still several active fires in the area. Today, Blue Mountains based resources will commence relocation to Lithgow Fire Control Centre and management of all fires in Blue Mountains and Lithgow will commence this evening from Lithgow Fire Control Centre. Consequently, this will be the last Community Newsletter from the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre. Updates on any fires still continuing in the Blue Mountains will be available on the RFS website.

Check the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au regularly for updates about fire.

Authorised By: Geoff Luscombe - Incident Controller

Cheers,

Kathleen Oakes

Update from Blue Mountains FCC 23 November 2009

Update on bushfire activity from the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre. 8.00pm                          23 November 2009

Section 44 Declared for Blue Mountains/ Lithgow LGA

Low cloud and showers have prevented the deployment of crews and aircraft resources today to the sites of bush fire activity which commenced late last week in remote and rugged terrain in the Blue Mountains/Lithgow areas. Resources will be moved to the Lithgow area tomorrow to enable reconnaissance, mopping up and patrol activities planned for today to continue.

Although milder weather conditions experienced today and forecast for tomorrow will assist in lessening any risk from bushfire activity, residents are advised to ensure that they and their properties remain prepared. Warmer weather conditions are predicted for Wednesday.

Authorised by: Jack Tolhurst – Incident Controller

regards,

Kathleen Oakes

Information from the Blue Mountains FCC 12.30pm update

Bell-Hurley Heights 22-11-2009

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) and National Park & Wildlife Service fire 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 for the 22/11/09.

Bell-Hurley Heights 21/11/09 2030hrs

8.30pm Update
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 for the 22/11/09.
The Bell Complex Fire consists of two fires. The first is approximately 1ha in size and located 1km northeast of Bell, the second is approximately 20ha in size 4km west of Mount Wilson. Ground crews successfully worked throughout the day mopping up and working on containment lines.
The Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek fire is located 9km north of Hazelbrook and is approximately 2ha in size. Crews were supported by aircraft to water bomb the edges of the fire and to assist remote area firefighters to work on containment lines. There is currently no property under threat.
The Short Creek Fire is located 7km North of Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine and is approximately 100 ha in size. With rising temperature and forecasted winds for tomorrow from the NW (gusting to 75 kph) this fire could threaten the townships Mt Wilson/Mt Irvine if fire spotting and intense or erratic fire behaviour occur during the afternoon due to very high fire conditions.

Bell-Hurley Heights

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 tonight. Fire crews are being assisted by 12 helicopters with the firefighting efforts.

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

The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
Microsoft Word - Bell-Hurley Heights Trail Map 21-11-2009.pdf
Microsoft Word - Bell-hurley-short - 211109 1130.pdf

Bush Fire Update and Total Fire Ban Advice

Good Evening Everyone,

Watch and Act - Hurley Heights Trail / Mount Hay Creek Fire Fire Update 20/11/09 20:45
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) firefighters are attending to a number of fires burning in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains and Lithgow area.
A Section 44 Bushfire Emergency has been declared for the Lithgow and Blue Mountains Local Government Areas. See http://bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=8790&CAT_ID=76 for more details.

Total Fire Ban
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 21 November 2009.
The Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service will TOTALLY BAN THE LIGHTING OF FIRES from midnight tonight [Thursday 19th of November] until midnight tomorrow night [Friday 20th of November] in the following NSW Fire Areas:
Greater Hunter, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes, North Western,
Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains,
Far Western, Greater Sydney Region.
The Blue Mountains Local Government Area is part of the Greater Sydney Region Fire Area.
The Fire Danger Rating for Greater Sydney Region is Severe [50-74].
　
The NSW Rural Fire Service warns that any bush fire that starts has the potential to threaten lives and destroy homes.

What does this mean?
I'm glad you asked. Today will be warm, dry and windy. This combination can effect fire behaviour and cause smaller fires to increase in size and intensity quite rapidly. The lower humidity and strong winds are of great concern.

Volunteer Firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service will be on stand-by at a number of locations throughout the area from 10am Thursday morning.

What can I do?
Be aware. If a bushfire does get going, the situation can change very quickly.

* If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day
* Only stay if your home is well prepared and you can actively defend it.
* Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property - if in doubt, leave

During days of Very High or Extreme Fire Danger, and on 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 are away from your email, but have internet access, you can keep yourself informed if anything is happening by checking our Updates Blog - http://ruralfirebm.blogspot.com/ - where a copy of every message send out to this list will automatically be posted.

For more information about Total Fire Bans, visit http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=1109.

If you see a fire, report it immediately by calling '000' and asking for the Fire Brigade!

Update - bush fire situation in Wollemi National Park (Hawkesbury District)

There is currently no bushfire activity in the Blue Mountains District.

A number of fires are burning in the Wollemi National Park (Hawkesbury District), north of the Blue Mountains. Click on the "More Information" link for details of these fires, or visit http://www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=8777&CAT_ID=724.

Update - Hazelbrook fire contained

The fire burning near Hall Parade at north Hazelbrook has been contained.
Fire crews are now working on extinguishing any remaining hotspots.
No further updates will be issued for this fire unless the situation changes.

Bushfire Advice - Hazelbrook - 0625hrs 20 Nov 2009

Good Morning,

Units from NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire Brigades have been called to a small area of bush alight at the end of Hall Parade at Hazelbrook, near Fern Ave.

There is currently no threat to property.

Firefighting units are currently on scene and working to extinguish the fire.
Generally under current weather conditions there is no immediate danger to your life and fires can be easily controlled.

In these conditions terrain is more likely to affect fire behaviour than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity.

A Total Fire Ban remains in force until Midnight tonight.

Further information will be provided if the situation changes.

Regards,
Eric

Community Meeting at South Katoomba tonight

South Katoomba will be holding its second community bushfire awareness information night this Wednesday 18/11/09 at the South Katoomba RFB Station (entry through the carpark at the Katoomba Swimming/Leisure Centre) at 1930hrs. The purpose of these meetings is to explain to the local community how the NSW Rural Fire Service web site works for self assessment of an individual’s property for bushfire protection. We are also providing practical assistance for residents to assess their own properties to improve their bushfire survival rate.

Our first community meeting attracted up to 35 residents and we are hoping to at least attract the same number again.

A light supper will be provided at the conclusion of the presentation.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there.

Steve Parrott

Captain

South Katoomba RFB

Update: Red Ridge Trail Fire 11:00AM 27/10/09

From the Public Liaison Officer Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre.
From today, unless there is a significant increase in fire activity, Updates will be issued once per day.
http://bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=724
Overview
Light rain has fallen over the fire-ground overnight and today assisting the crews by reducing fire activity. The rain is expected to ease later in the day. Crews are mopping up any heavy fuels that are still burning and strengthening containment lines. NSW Rural Fire Service Volunteers from Tumut, Goulburn, Lake George and Lower Hunter are supporting local crews.
The fire has burnt approximately 670 hectares of isolated and rugged bush-land in the area around Red Ridge Fire Trail, approximately 10km south of Wentworth Falls. The fire is burning to the east of Kings Tableland Road. Generally under these conditions there is no immediate danger to your life and fires can be easily controlled. The fire is not contained at this stage.
Strategy
60 firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service will be working on the fire today, including remote area firefighting teams. These crews will use the mild weather conditions to their advantage, to continue to directly attack the fire edge, prior to warmer predicted weather conditions later in the week.
Due to the fire activity, Kings Tablelands Road has been closed at Queen Victoria Hospital. Closures within the southern side of Blue Mountains National Park include both Ingar and Murphy's Glen Picnic and Camping areas. All walking trails in the northern side of the Blue Mountains National Park remain open.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Morning Rain. Temperature up to 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with S/SE winds around 25kph.
Wednesday: Dry, Maximum temperature 20 degrees. Humidity 40% with E winds around 20kph
Thursday: Little if any rain, Maximum temperature 20 degrees. Humidity 45% with ESE winds around 20kph
Specific Fire Information
In Low to Moderate conditions, terrain is more likely to affect fire behavior than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for regular updates about the fire. Being prepared this bush fire season is an important part of protecting your family and home from the impacts of bush fires. A key to being prepared is to understand the level of bush fire risk you and your property are exposed to and the ways you can reduce this risk. The NSW Rural Fire Service website has wide range of bush fire related information for members of the community.
Prepare, Act, Survive.
Authorized By: Tom Shirt - Incident Controller

Fire update Red Ridge Fire - 7:00pm 26 Oct 09

Good evening
Please find enclosed, the update for the Red Ridge Fire.
The map previously sent this morning still applies as no new fire has been introduced into the area
due to the constant light rain today.

Kind Regards
Gilly
Gillian Kearney
Public Liaison Officer
Blue Mountains IMT-Red Ridge Fire
(02) 4784 7444

Community Update-Red Ridge Fire

http://bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=8498&CAT_ID=76
Overview
Light rain has been falling on the fire-ground today seeing a decrease in fire activity. Despite this rain, the fire is expected to burn for several days and crews have remained in the field overnight, strengthening and deepening containment lines. There is no property under threat.
The fire has burned approximately 650 hectares of isolated and rugged bush-land in the area around Red Ridge Fire Trail, approximately 10km south of Wentworth Falls. The fire is burning to the east of Kings Tableland Road. Generally under these conditions there is no immediate danger to your life and fires can be easily controlled. The fire is not contained at this stage.
Strategy
Light ran has fallen over the fire-ground overnight and today making conditions for ground crews difficult. The rain is expected to ease and clear later in the day, allowing crews to continue mopping up any heavy fuels that are still burning. Firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service will be working on the fire today, including Remote Area Firefighting Teams (RAFT) . These crews will use the mild weather conditions to their advantage, to continue to directly attack the fire edge, prior to warmer predicted weather conditions later in the week.
Due to the fire activity, Kings Tablelands Road has been closed at Queen Victoria Hospital. Closures within the southern side of Blue Mountains National Park include both Ingar and Murphy's Glen Picnic and Camping areas. All walking trails in the northern side of the Blue Mountains National Park remain open.
People with respiratory conditions such as asthma and other breathing illnesses, should take precautions and remain indoors where possible. For further information visit http://www.nsw.health.gov.au/<http://www.nsw.health.gov.au/>. Motorists driving through the Blue Mountains should exercise caution due to smoke in the area.
Weather Forecast
Today: Morning Rain. Maximum temperature 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with SE winds around 40kph.
Tuesday: Morning Rain. Temperature up to 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with S/SE winds around 25kph.
Wednesday: Dry, Maximum temperature 20 degrees. Humidity 40% with E winds around 20kph
Specific Fire Information
In Low to Moderate conditions, terrain is more likely to affect fire behavior than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for regular updates about the fire.
Authorized By: Superintendent Ted Williams - Incident Controller
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.

Update: Red Ridge Trail Fire 7:00PM 25/10/09

http://bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=8490&CAT_ID=76
Overview
Light rain has been falling on the fireground today seeing a decrease in fire activity. Despite this rain, the fire is expected to burn for several days and crews remain in the field, strengthening and deepening containment lines. There is no property under threat.
The fire has burned approximately 600 hectares of isolated and rugged bushland in the area around Red Ridge Fire Trail, approximately 10km south of Wentworth Falls. The fire is burning to the east of Kings Tableland Road. Generally under these conditions there is no immediate danger to your life and fires can be easily controlled. The fire is not contained at this stage.
Strategy
There is further potential rain forecast for Monday. Approximately 60 firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service will be working on the fire on Monday, including Remote Area Firefighting Teams. Crews will use the mild weather conditions to their advantage to directly attack the fire edge prior to warmer predicted weather conditions later in the week.
Due to the fire activity, Kings Tablelands Road has been closed at Queen Victoria Hospital. Closures within the southern side of Blue Mountains National Park include both Ingar and Murphy's Glen Picnic and Camping areas. Walking trails in the northern side of the Blue Mountains National Park remain open.
People with breathing illnesses should take precautions, such as staying indoors. Motorists driving through the Blue Mountains should exercise caution due to smoke in the area.
Weather Forecast
Monday: Morning Rain. Maximum temperature 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with SE winds around 40kph.
Tuesday: Morning Rain. Temperature up to 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with S/SE winds around 25kph.
Wednesday: Dry, Maximum temperature 20 degrees. Humidity 40% with E winds around 20kph
Specific Fire Information
In Low to Moderate conditions terrain is more likely to affect fire behaviour than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for regular updates about the fire.
Authorised By: Tom Shirt - Incident Controller
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.

Update: Red Ridge Trail Fire - 11:00 25/10/2009

Overnight conditions have been calm with little wind and moderate temperatures. Crews worked throughout the night to strengthen containment lines. The Red Ridge Fire, approximately 10km south of Wentworth Falls is burning in an easterly direction, away from Kings Tableland Road. The fire is not contained at this stage.
There is currently no property under threat. The fire has burned approximately 600 hectares of bushland.
Generally under these conditions there is no immediate danger to your life and fires can be easily controlled.
100 NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers and National Parks & Wildlife Service firefighters are continuing to strengthen and secure containment lines around the fires edge today.
Strategy
Crews will use mild weather conditions to their advantage to aggressively mop up along Kings Tableland Road and Andersons Fire Trail. Aircraft will continue to water bomb the eastern and southern edges. Remote area firefighters will work on inaccessible parts of the fires edge.
Due to current fire activity Kings Tablelands Road has been closed at Queen Victoria Hospital. Closures within the southern side of Blue Mountains National Park include both Ingar & Murphy's Glen Picnic and Camping areas. Walking trails in the northern side of the Blue Mountains National Park remain open.
People with breathing illnesses should take precautions, such as staying indoors. Motorists driving through the Blue Mountains should exercise caution due to smoke in the area.
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Rain Periods. Temperatures reaching 16 degrees with E/SE winds.
Monday: Morning Rain. Maximum temperature 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with SE winds around 40kph.
Tuesday: Morning Rain. Temperature up to 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with S/SE winds around 25kph.
Specific Fire Information
In Low to Moderate conditions terrain is more likely to affect fire behaviour than weather conditions, which may cause an increase in fire intensity. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for regular updates about the fire.
Authorised By: Tom Shirt - Incident Controller
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.

Update: Red Ridge Trail Fire 7:00PM 24/10/09

http://bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=8486&CAT_ID=76
There is a fire burning in the area of Red Ridge Fire Trail, approximately 10km south of Wentworth Falls. There is no property under threat.
The fire is burning in an easterly direction, away from Kings Tableland Road. There is currently no property under threat. The fire has burned approximately 540 hectares of bushland.
Generally under these conditions there is no immediate danger to your life and fires can be controlled. Spot fires can occur close to the main fire.
A Section 44 Declaration has been made for the Blue Mountains Local Government Area, and part of the Wollondilly Local Government Area (north of Lake Burragorang).
80 NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers and National Parks & Wildlife Service firefighters have progressed well with backburning operations along the Andersons Fire Trail. Crews will be mopping up and continue to work on containment lines throughout the night. The fire is not contained at this stage.
Strategy
Fire crews will continue to work on containment lines tomorrow supported by aircraft to water bomb the eastern and southern edges of the fire and to assist remote area firefighters to work on containment lines.
Due to current fire activity Kings Tablelands Road has been closed at Queen Victoria Hospital. Closures within the southern side of Blue Mountains National Park include both Ingar & Murphy's Glen Picnic and Camping areas. Walking trails in the northern side of the Blue Mountains National Park remain open.
People with breathing illnesses should take precautions, such as staying indoors. Motorists driving through the Blue Mountains should exercise caution due to smoke in the area.
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Rain Periods. Temperatures reaching 20 degrees with SE winds.
Monday: Morning Rain. Maximum temperature 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with SE winds around 40kph.
Tuesday: Morning Rain. Temperature up to 15 degrees. Humidity 60% with S/SE winds around 25kph.

Specific Fire Information
Check that your Bush Fire Survival Plan is up-to-date. If you don't have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you know what you will do if the fire does threaten your property. If you plan to leave – leave early.
Watch and Act represents a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing; start taking action now to
protect you and your family.
Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for regular updates about the fire.
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.

Update: Red Ridge Trail Fire 10:00 24/10/09

Overview
There is a fire burning in the area of Red Ridge Fire Trail, approximately 10km south of Wentworth Falls. The
fire is burning in an easterly direction, away from Kings Tableland Road. There is currently no property under
threat.
The fire has burned approximately 500 hectares of bushland. Generally under these conditions there is no
immediate danger to your life and fires can be controlled. Spot fires can occur close to the main fire.
Strategy
80 NSW Rural Fire Service and National Parks & Wildlife Service firefighters and waterbombing aircraft are
working to contain the fire. Backburning operations are taking place on the Andersons Fire Trail.
Due to current fire activity Kings Tablelands road has been closed at Queen Victoria Hospital. Closures within
the southern side of Blue Mountains National Park include both Ingar & Murphy's Glen Picnic and Camping
areas.
People with breathing illnesses should take precautions, such as staying indoors. Motorists driving through the
Blue Mountains should exercise caution due to smoke in the area.
Weather Forecast
Saturday: Fine and sunny. Light winds tending light from the east and may alternate between light west to light
east during the day. Temperatures reaching 26 degrees with humidity dropping to around 23%.
Sunday: Rain Periods in the afternoon. Temperatures reaching 20 degrees with SSE winds up to 40km/h.
Monday: Slight chance of morning rain decreasing with fresh-to-strong SE winds (up to 50km/h)
Specific Fire Information
Check that your Bush Fire Survival Plan is up-to-date. If you don't have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you
know what you will do if the fire does threaten your property. If you plan to leave – leave early.
Watch and Act represents a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing; start taking action now to
protect you and your family. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website for regularly for updates about the fire.
Authorised By: Tom Shirt - Incident Controller
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.

Update: Red Ridge Trail Fire - 7:00pm 23/10/09

See http://bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ for latest map of the fire location.

A fire is currently burning 10km South of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. At 6pm this evening the fire was estimated to be 456 hectares in size. The fire is moving slowly to the east under mild weather conditions.

Current Activities

45 firefighters, 10 firefighting appliances and 3 helicopters have been combating the fire this afternoon. Additional crews will be deployed to the fire overnight to monitor fire activity and undertake construction of containment lines. Two bulldozers are also being brought in by the National Parks Service to strengthen containment lines.

Weather Conditions

Current weather conditions are mild. Moderate winds are coming from the West, swinging to the South-West. Overnight temperatures are predicted to fall to around 13 Degrees C, with winds moving more to the south around midnight.

For Saturday, temperatures are forecast to rise to 26 Degrees C in the afternoon, with South to South-West winds turning Westerly after lunchtime, with the chance of a shower or two.

Proposed Containment Strategy

Backburning is being undertaken this evening along the northern flank of the fire. This may create some more smoke and possibly a visible glow in the sky to the south.