[rfs-bluemountains-information] severe storm warning for Friday

At 22.52 tonight a severe storm warning for heavy rain and strong winds has been issued for large parts of inland NSW for Thursday night and Friday, clearing later in the afternoon. The warning area includes the Central Tablelands.

Winds from 50 to 100km/h, with gusts over 110km/h may be expected, along with rain and thunderstorms which may lead to flash flooding.

Further information is available from www.bom.gov.au

Hazard Reduction Notification

Hazard Reduction Notification

Good Afternoon

Please be advised that weather permitting the NSW Rural Fire Service, Blue Mountains District, along with NSW Fire Brigades and National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) are intending to undertake hazard reduction burning at the following locations from Saturday 2^nd October – Sunday 3^rd October 2010.

The locations and size of the hazard reductions are as follows:

FAULCONBRIDGE

·         Date:                                       Saturday 2^nd October – Sunday 3^rd October 2010

·         Name of HR                           Grose Rd West

·         Location                                  Grose Rd to Shirlow Ave, FAULCONBRIDGE

·         Size                                         101 Hectares

·         Map UBD Reference              15 J16

Hawkesbury Heights

·         Date                                        Saturday 2^nd October – Sunday 3^rd October 2010

·         Name of HR                           Lynches Creek South

·         Location                                  Hawkesbury Rd, Hawkesbury Heights

·         Size                                         777 Hectares

·         Map UBD Reference:             17 L4

The proposed hazard reductions have been endorsed by the Blue Mountains Bush Fire Management Committee.

Residents are advised that there may be a large amount of smoke at times and to keep doors and windows closed. Residents are also asked to avoid the area whilst the operations are in progress.

·         For information on obtaining and preparing a Bush Fire Survival Plan go to the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

·         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.

PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE.

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Public Information for Bushfires - how can we improve?

Good Morning Everyone,

 

There are two items I would like to bring to everyone's attention today - both of which are survey-related. By taking a bit of your time you will be able to highlight how and where we can make improvements to the services we provide to you, our community, in the key areas of bushfire information and education.

 

Firstly, the NSW Rural Fire Service is planning to redesign its public website. In order to do this in a way that will better service our community, the first thing to do is ask our community how we can make things better. The outcome of the new design will also then flow down to our local District website, with which most of you are familiar already, as we use the same template.

 

For more information about this survey, go to http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info_latest.cfm?CON_ID=10112. Please make sure you answer all of the questions on the survey, otherwise it won't let you hit the "submit" button.

 

There is also an opportunity to participate in the next stage of the website redevelopment (website layout) based on your own background or area of interest. Once again, this is all detailed at http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info_latest.cfm?CON_ID=10112.

 

The direct link to the survey is http://tinyurl.com/NSWRFS-PW-Survey.

 

Secondly, Sean Bull, from UTS (University of Technology, Sydney) is undertaking research titled " Attitudes, Legislation and Survival - Impacts on Dwellings in Bushfire Prone Areas" and is looking for residents of bushfire-prone areas to answer a survey related to this research. The questions cover such areas as preparation, plans and experiences. As you know, the RFS in the Blue Mountains is committed to continuous improvement and the results of Sean's survey will also be able to give us some solid evidence on what things we can focus on in the future.

 

Sean is a Blue Mountains local and obviously is keen to have as much input from Mountains residents as possible. To participate in this survey (which should only take 5 or 10 minutes to fill out), email Sean at s.m.bull@hotmail.com with the heading "Survey" and he will forward you a copy.

 

Finally, as always, I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to share this information freely. It is only by your participation that we can do a better job.

 

Regards,

 

Eric.

 

Inspector Eric J Berry
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

Working towards a FireWise community

Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780

 

 

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] Hazard Reduction burns this weekend

Good afternoon everyone,

 

There are two planned prescribed burns being undertaken over this weekend, weather permitting. The details are below:

 

1. Saturday & Sunday, 15-16/May/10 : Robyn Road, Winmalee = approx 90ha

2. Saturday & Sunday, 15-16/May/10: Chapman Pde, Faulconbridge = approx 70ha

 

These hazard reduction burns are part of a planned bushfire fuel reduction designed to protect life and property from intense wildfires. Hazard reduction will not completely stop bushfires from starting and spreading, but can assist firefighters with containment strategies and property protection.

 

All landholders, including private property, must treat bushfire hazards on their own land and prepare their own properties adequately and effectively to cope with bushfire.

 

Residents around the hazard reduction burn areas are reminded to take the following precautions:

 

- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes

- Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns

- Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage

- Remove washing from clotheslines

- Ensure pets have a protected area

- Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on

- Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety – this includes bushwalkers, mountain bikers and dog walkers.

- If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice

 

Regards

 

Sue Hardy

Blue Mountains District Office

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Upcoming prescribed burns - Friday and Sunday

Good Morning Everyone,

 

There are two planned prescribed burns being undertaken over the next few days, weather permitting. The details are below:

 

1. Friday night, 26/3/10: Shipley Road, x 4.5 Ha.

2. Sunday 28/3/10: Bonton Rd, Springwood x 3 ha

 

These hazard reduction burns are part of a planned bushfire fuel reduction designed to protect life and property from intense wildfires. Hazard reduction will not completely stop bushfires from starting and spreading, but can assist firefighters with containment strategies and property protection.

All landholders, including private property, must treat bushfire hazards on their own land and prepare their own properties adequately and effectively to cope with bushfire.

Residents around the hazard reduction burn areas are reminded to take the following precautions:

- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes

- Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns

- Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage

- Remove washing from clotheslines

- Ensure pets have a protected area

- Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on

- Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety

- If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice

 

 

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] Major Gas leak - Katoomba

Good Afternoon,

 

NSW Fire Brigades are currently dealing with a major gas leak in Katoomba.

 

The area between Parke St, Waratah St, Katoomba St and Lurline St Katoomba is currently closed and several hundred people have been evacuated. Any persons intending to visit Katoomba are advised to avoid the area for the next few hours.

 

Any further enquiries should be directed to NSW Fire Brigades or NSW Police.

 

Four Units from the NSW Rural Fire Service are currently assisting the NSW Fire Brigades with evacuation operations.

 

Regards...

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Friday 29 Jan

Good Afternoon Everyone,

 

At 4:00pm this afternoon several storm cells were visible on the Bureau of Meteorology rain radar. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are included in today's Central Tablelands forecast.

 

At 4:17pm, the Bureau issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for large hailstones, flash flooding and damaging wind for a number of forecast areas, including the Central Tablelands.

 

The text of the warning is as follows:

Issued at 4:17 pm Friday, 29 January 2010.

 

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, very heavy

rainfall, flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next

several hours. Locations which may be affected include Scone, Armidale,

Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree and Narrabri.

 

Although the Blue Mountains is not specifically mentioned, there is some storm activity in the area.

 

A small storm cell is currently over the Warragamba Catchment, moving toward Hazelbrook, Woodford and surrounding areas. Another larger cell, with heavy rain and some lightning activity, is currently 20km South of Katoomba and moving to the North & West.

 

Residents are advised to take care, especially when driving, and are reminded to switch on their headlights when driving in adverse weather conditions.

 

 

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.

* 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 all life-threatening emergencies, call '000' immediately!

 

Regards,

 

 

 

Inspector Eric J Berry
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

Working towards a FireWise community

Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780

Ph: 02 4784 7444 (Office)
Ph: 02 4784 7416 (Direct)
Ph: 0414 195 615 (Mobile)
Fax: 02 4784 7461
E-Mail: eric.berry@rfs.nsw.gov.au <mailto:eric.berry@rfs.nsw.gov.au>

 

 

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] Thunderstorm advice - 1:10pm Thur 28 Jan

Good Afternoon Everyone,

 

There is currently a strong storm cell overhead Katoomba and moving in an easterly direction. A formal Thunderstorm Warning has not yet been issued.

 

Similar to yesterday, one large storm cell is currently over the Warragamba Catchment, moving toward Warragamba and Camden. Another cell is currently over Katoomba. It is intensifying and moving to the east. A third cell is developing to the south of Oberon and moving toward the Blue Mountains.

 

Thunder, lightning and heavy local rain is expected to continue as the storm cell moves east. Some localised flash flooding may occur.

 

Residents are advised to take care, especially when driving, and are reminded to switch on their headlights when driving in adverse weather conditions.

 

For all life-threatening emergencies, call '000' immediately!

 

 

Inspector Eric J Berry
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

Working towards a FireWise community

Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780

Ph: 02 4784 7444 (Office)
Ph: 02 4784 7416 (Direct)
Ph: 0414 195 615 (Mobile)
Fax: 02 4784 7461
E-Mail: eric.berry@rfs.nsw.gov.au <mailto:eric.berry@rfs.nsw.gov.au>

 

 

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 - Wednesday 27 Jan

Good Afternoon Everyone,

 

At 2:13pm this afternoon the Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for various locations, including the Blue Mountains.

 

One large storm cell is currently over the Warragamba Catchment, moving toward Warragamba and Camden. Another cell is currently 16km west of Katoomba and moving directly east. A third cell is over Lithgow and is also heading east toward Kurrajong.

 

The text of the warning follows:

 

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds

over the next several hours in the CENTRAL TABLELANDS district. Locations which

may be affected include Orange, Mudgee, 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.

* 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 all life-threatening emergencies, call '000' immediately!

 

 

Inspector Eric J Berry
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

Working towards a FireWise community

Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780

Ph: 02 4784 7444 (Office)
Ph: 02 4784 7416 (Direct)
Ph: 0414 195 615 (Mobile)
Fax: 02 4784 7461
E-Mail: eric.berry@rfs.nsw.gov.au <mailto:eric.berry@rfs.nsw.gov.au>

 

 

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] Total Fire Ban Advice for Saturday 23 Jan 2010

Good Evening 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 23 January 2010.

　

　

The Commissioner, NSW Rural Fire Service will TOTALLY BAN THE LIGHTING OF FIRES from midnight tonight [Friday 22 Jan 2010] until midnight tomorrow night [Saturday 23 Jan 2010] in the following NSW Fire Areas:

Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region

Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Central Ranges, Southern Ranges, Monaro Alpine,

Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains,

Southern Slopes, Eastern Riverina, Southern Riverina,

Northern Riverina, South Western.

 

The Blue Mountains Local Government Area is part of the Greater Sydney Region Fire Area.

　

What does this mean?

 

Saturday 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-than-average humidity and strong winds - even in the absence of high temperatures - is of greatest concern.

　

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 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.

　

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 J Berry
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service

Working towards a FireWise community

Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780

Ph: 02 4784 7444 (Office)
Ph: 02 4784 7416 (Direct)
Ph: 0414 195 615 (Mobile)
Fax: 02 4784 7461
E-Mail: eric.berry@rfs.nsw.gov.au <mailto:eric.berry@rfs.nsw.gov.au>

 

 

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] Information from Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre, Katoomba on Bush Fire Situation in the Blue Mountains City Council area.

 

Information from Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre, Katoomba on Bush Fire Situation in the Blue Mountains City Council area.

Issued at 1500hrs on 18^th December 2009

 

Overview

 

NSW Rural Fire Service, National Park & Wildlife Service and ACT fire fighters are attending to a number of fires in remote and rugged terrain within the Blue Mountains National Park started by lightning shortly after 3pm yesterday. The fires are contained and there is currently no threat to property.

 

The first fire is located south west of Mt Caley approximately 7kms south of Mt Tomah in Zobel Gully. The second fire is located 3kms north west of the Grose Head South Fire, north of the Grose River in Atkinson Gully. The third fire is located 6kms south east of Berambing on the southern side of the Grose River at Kolonga Walls. The fourth fire 5 kilometres west of Yarramundi on Kariwoga Ridge at Grose Head South.

 

Today’s inclement weather has prevented the use of water bombing aircraft accessing the fires. Remote Area Firefighting Crews have been deployed to Zobel Gully to strengthen containment lines and mop-up the edges of the fire ground. Light showers and drizzle have fallen across the fire ground and will assist firefighting operations at Zobel Gully.

 

Zobel Gully Fire

 

The fire has burnt approximately 2ha of bushland. Remote Area Firefighting Crews will be deployed today to continue with mopping up along the burnt edge. Currently there is no active fire along the edge of the fire ground.

 

Kolonga Walls Fire

 

The fire has burnt approximately 3ha of bushland. When weather conditions allow, Remote Area Firefighting Crews will be deployed to mop up along the burnt edge of the fire ground assisted by water bombing aircraft.

 

Atkinson Gully Fire

 

Yesterday, water bombing aircraft succeeded in extinguishing the active fire edge. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire ground and Remote Area Firefighting Crews will be deployed to patrol the edges of the fire ground, when weather conditions allow. There is currently no threat to property.

                                                                                                     

Grose Head South Fire

 

The fire is now contained and there is no threat to property. The fire has burnt approximately 80 hectares of bushland and, when weather conditions allow, Remote Area Firefighting Crews will be deployed to mop up along the burnt edge of the fire ground assisted by water bombing aircraft.

 

Advice

 

While there is no current threat to property, residents in the areas of Linden, Faulconbridge, Springwood, Valley Heights, Hawkesbury Heights, Bowen Mountain, Grose Vale, Grose Wold, Winmalee and Yarramundi should continue to monitor the situation. Residents should remain vigilant and follow their Bush Fire Survival Plan.

 

Information

 

Tom Hunter Park, Faulconbridge

 

The air operations will continue to be operated 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.

 

Closures of  Walking Trails in the Blue Mountains National Park

 

All walking trails at 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

 

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 or by calling call 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).

 

 

Unless fire conditions substantially change this will be the final Community Newsletter.

 

 

·         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 Deputy Incident Controller. Paul Godfrey, 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

 

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] Community Newsletter Thursday 17-12-09 5:30pm

Information from Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre, Katoomba on Bush Fire Situation in the Blue Mountains Council area.

Issued at 1730hrs on 17^th December 2009

 

Overview

Two fires started shortly after 3pm within the Blue Mountains National Park. The first fire is located in remote and rugged terrain south west of Mt Caley approximately 7kms south of Mt Tomah in Zobel Gully. The second fire is located 3kms north west of the Grose Head South Fire, north of the Grose River in Atkinson Gully.

 

Zobel Gully Fire

The fire is uncontained however there is currently no threat to properties. Water bombing aircraft continue to work the edges of the fire to slow its progression.

 

Atkinson Gully Fire

Water bombing aircraft have succeeded in extinguishing the active fire edge. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire ground through to the evening. There is currently no threat to property.

                                                                                                     

Grose Head South Fire

The fire is now contained and there is no threat to property. The fire has burnt approximately 80 hectares of bushland and is being monitored by aircraft.

 

Advice

Lower Blue Mountains Residents. There is currently a large fire in Londonderry (Devlin Road). To stay informed of current fire activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).

 

A Total Fire Ban remains in place for the Blue Mountains area until midnight tonight (18/12/2009). Temperatures are forecast to reach 39 degrees, Relative Humidly 18% and winds from the W/NW up to 50km/h. 

 

The fire danger rating will be severe.  A severe fire danger rating means fire can threaten suddenly and without warning. Your survival is the primary consideration in any decision to “Leave Early” or “Stay and Defend”.

 

Information

 

While there is no immediate threat to property, residents in the areas of Linden, Faulconbridge, Springwood, Valley Heights, 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. For information on obtaining and preparing a Bush Fire Survival Plan go to the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling call 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).

 

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

 

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] Blue Mountains Bush Fire Advice - 17/12/09 - 1525

Dear Residents,

 

Currently there are two bushfires burning in the Blue Mountains.  The first fire is in Zobel Gully south west of Mt Caley aproximatley 7kms south of Mt Tohah, the second fire is 3kms north west of the Grose Head South Fire  At this stage there is no direct threat to property. Stay informed of current fire activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).

 

Kind Regards,

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

 

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] A TOTAL FIRE BAN HAS BEEN DECLARED FOR BLUE MOUNTAINS TOMORROW

Information from Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre, Katoomba on Bush Fire Situation in the Blue Mountains Council area.

Issued at 1800hrs on 16^th December 2009

 

A TOTAL FIRE BAN HAS BEEN DECLARED FOR BLUE MOUNTAINS TOMORROW

 

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Blue Mountains area from midnight tonight until midnight 18/12/2009. Temperatures are forecast to reach 39 degrees, Relative Humidly 18% and winds from the W/NW up to 50km/h. 

 

The fire danger rating will be severe.  A severe fire danger rating means fire can threaten suddenly and without warning and your survival is the primary consideration in any decision to “Leave Early” or “Stay and Defend”.

 

Grose Head South Fire

 

Today NSW Rural Fire Service, National Park & Wildlife Service and ACT firefighters have continued to strengthen containment lines for the Grose Head South fire. Firefighters have worked to extinguish hotspots that have been identified by aerial recognisance. The fire is now contained and there is no threat to property. Firefighters and aircraft will continue working on the fireground this evening and through tomorrow.

 

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, as well as the greater Blue Mountains area should continue to monitor the situation.

 

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. 

 

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

 

·         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 

·         If you need to report a new fire or require urgent assistance, dial Triple Zero (000).

 

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

 

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] Information from Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre, Katoomba on Bush Fire Situation in the Blue Mountains Council area

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 16^th 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

 

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.