Thread: Blue Mountains Fire

Joined: 11 Jun 2003
Posts: 2067
Location: Sydney
Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 9:38 pm Post subject: Blue Mountains Fire Update - 2.00pm Tuesday 21/11/06
Posted: 21/11/2006
The fire in the Blue Mountains breached containment lines overnight on the northern end of Hat Hill Road at Anvil Rock. Firefighters worked hard overnight to hold the eastern containment line but strong westerly winds and dry conditions hindered operations and the fire was unable to be held on that edge. Containment lines in the north, west and south continue to hold and these are not expected to be tested today.

More than 400 firefighters from the RFS, National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Fire Brigades and 18 aircraft are continuing to work to slow the spread of the fire in preparation for worsening weather conditions later today and early tomorrow.

The fire continues to move in a easterly direction and fire crews will be working through the day on additional containment lines. Blue Mountains residents to the north-east, east and south-east of the fire should prepare their properties for fire and ensure they have a plan to stay or relocate early if the fire reaches their area. Aircraft will work to slow the progress of the eastern edge of the fire and will work on any new fire outbreaks ahead of the fire.

The Bells Line of Road remains closed due to fire operations and falling trees. The Blue Mountains National Park will remain closed until further notice. The Great Western Highway and the Darling Causeway are open, however smoke may reduce visibility in some areas and drivers are asked to proceed with caution. For road updates please call the Roads and Traffic information line on 132 701 or visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

Community Liaison teams have held meetings in Blue Mountains towns over the last five days. Residents should visit their local fire station for more information and to view current fire maps. If you would like a Community Liaison team to visit your town to discuss the fires please call 1800 264 525.

Residents in the Blue Mountains should prepare their properties for fire and are advised to ensure that all windows and doors are closed and their properties are clear of combustible materials. Residents are advised to patrol their property regularly for hot embers and potential spot fires. If you see a fire without a fire truck in attendance you should call triple zero (000) immediately.

Those residents with health issues affected by smoke are advised to take appropriate precautions.

Weather Forecast
Tuesday: 32 degrees with strong hot winds from the W/NW gusting up to 50 km/h and humidity at a low of 10%. Wind changing to WNW overnight up to 80 km/h A Total Fire Ban is in place until midnight Tuesday night.
Wednesday: Fine, hot north westerly winds gusting up to 50 km/h in the day. Very high to extreme fire danger expected.

Many tourist attractions in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow remain open but the Blue Mountains National Park is closed. Hat Hill Road, Ridgewell Road, Victoria Falls Road, Pierces Pass and Mt Banks Road remain closed. For information on National Parks walking tracks call 4787 8877.




Martyn

I have tried to call Norm but I think he is in there fighting this fire. The wind has just gotten up again so it is not looking good.

The sun in Sydney this afternoon was just one big red ball and the smell of smoke was pretty strong.