Did you know –
The greatest danger of Bush fires on the East Coast of NSW occurs after the dry winter and spring. The worst conditions occur when deep low-pressure systems near Tasmania bring strong, hot and dry, north-westerly winds to the coastal districts. The end of the fire season is determined by the onset of moister conditions, sometimes the result of a tropical cyclone developing near the Queensland coast.

Did you know-
How does fire move from object to object?
Here is a brief explanation –

•Radiation is a form of heat energy which travels in all directions from its source.
•Convection occurs when heated air is displaced, usually upwards. As it rises, it carries heat with it and gradually loses it to the surrounding air.
•Conduction refers to the transfer of heat through solid objects from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature

It’s hot outside. While the Blue Mountains is at this stage all clear, think of the residents in Victoria. Below is the latest rain radar over Vic, and what looks like a large band of rain is actually a large column of smoke coming from a large scrub fire.

Did you know –
A fire will burn faster uphill because the flames can reach more unburnt fuel in front of the fire. The heat radiating from the fire pre-heats fuel on the slope ahead of the fire, causing the fuel to start burning more quickly.
As a general rule, the fire will increase its speed as it travels uphill by four times for a 20 degree slope. The opposite applies to a fire travelling downhill: because the flames reach less fuel, there is less radiant heat to pre-heat the fuel ahead of the fire, so the fire travels slower.

Did you know –
The basic’s of how bushfire’s spread ?
Here are the main points-
• The local weather conditions and topography plays a large part of fire spread.
•Fire is typically teardrop-shaped when there is wind.• The back of the fire burns slowest, coolest and with the shortest flames.• The fire front/head burns the fastest and hottest and is the most dangerous place.• The fire flank is also dangerous: in the event of a wind change the upwind flank will immediately burn at its maximum rate of spread.

Did you know –
The Fire Triangle is a simple way of understanding the factors of fire. Each side of the triangle represents one of the three ingredients needed to have a fire – oxygen, heat, and fuel – demonstrating the interdependence of these ingredients in creating and sustaining fire. When there is not enough heat generated to sustain the process, when the fuel is exhausted, removed, or isolated, or when oxygen supply is limited, then a side of the triangle is broken and the fire will die.

Today Winmalee will assist Faulconbridge RFB and other fire fighting appliances to conduct the Tom Hunter Park HR. This should commence around 1700hrs. Smoke will be visible from this burn. Attached is the burn map, please feel free to share to anyone who may live in the area.

Today Winmalee 1A and FRNSW responded to investigate a smoke sighting in the Yellow Rock area. Crews investigated and found a nil result. There is currently a large HR taking place on Landilo Rd, Landilo. This is very visible from the lower mountains.

Welcome to the 2015/16 Bushfire Season. Have you got your Bushfire Survival Plan in place?
Over the next few days/weeks we will bring you posts on Bushfire facts, helpful hints and tips on preparing your plan, family and house for a Bushfire, and other related fire information.
Again if you need any help, advise or have a question, please ask! We are happy to help.

Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade added a new photo.