[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

 

www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

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.

[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.

[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 11^th  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 11^th  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 13^th  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.rfs.nsw.gov.au

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.

[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.

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.rfs.nsw.gov.au

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

 

[rfs-bluemountains-information] Hazard Reduction Notification

Hazard Reduction Notification

 

Please be advised that the NSW Rural Fire Service, Blue Mountains District is intending to undertake hazard reduction burning on Saturday 27 November 2010

 

Weather permitting units from the Rural Fire Service will be carrying out a hazard reduction burn at the following location:

 

Name of HR:   North Hall Parade

Location:         North of Hall Parade and Rocklea Street Hazelbrook

Size:                20 hectares

 

NSW Fire Brigade will also be in attendance.

 

There may be large amounts of smoke in the vicinity after 10.00am.

 

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

 

Regards,

David Hoadley

A/ District Manager

[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.