Thank you to all who have been donating so far. We are currently requiring donations at Faulconbridge RFB for the welfare of fighfighter, please share:

•sliced rump steak
•chopped onions
•sliced tomatoes
•shortcut bacon
•eggs
•hot dog rolls
•GF bread
•donuts/cakes
•BBQ chicken pieces
•plastic dinner plates
•bulk foil packs
•powerade

Your continuing support is greatly appreciated.

Taken by Anthony Secombe at Shelton ave towards Linksview rd

For your information, the attached map was a part of last nights community briefings as well the information posted on our Page early this morning.

Current Situation

Fire intensity has picked up in the Faulconbridge and Springwood area, around Chapman Parade, Grose Road and Douglas Road due to the strong and gusty winds.

Burning embers are being blown towards homes. People in the area should be alert to burning embers.

Additional fire fighters are being sent to the area. The Air Crane has been sent to the area.

An emergency alert telephone warning is being sent to people in the area.

A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in place for the Greater Sydney Region until further notice.

Advice

Be alert to burning embers. Put out any spot fires which may start on your property.

If the fire impacts on your home, seek shelter immediately to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.

Many residents have already relocated from the area.

Earlier information

Evacuation Centres and Information and Assistance Centres

Seek accommodation with family and friends away from high risk areas as this will be the most comfortable option.

If you have made other arrangements, there is no need to attend or register at an Evacuation Centre or Information and Assistance Centre.

If you cannot make alternative arrangements, the following centres are open:

Evacuation Centres
• North Richmond Community Hall – 33 William Street, North Richmond
• Springwood Sports Centre – 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood.

Information and Assistance Centres
• Penrith Panthers, Evan Theatre – 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith
• Lithgow Workers Club – 3 Tank Street, Lithgow.

Castlereagh Rd X Springwood Rd at Anges Banks & Hawkesbury Lookout (Hawkesbury Rd) at Winmalee will close at 11am to all but local traffic

Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade shared a link.

Aged Care

Residents of the following aged care facilities have been relocated for their own safety:
• Principal Endeavour (Springwood)
• Buckland Nursing Home (Springwood)
• Uniting Care Springwood Village (Springwood)
• Kurrajong Nursing Home (Kurrajong).

Family members are advised to contact the relevant facility for more information.

We have had people message in asking what they should pack. Packing your bags is one of the hardest things to do in this circumstance. You want clothes and toiletries, pillows and maybe some blankets or sleeping bags. And just think, if you were only able to grab a couple of items out of your house. What would they be, and why. Stay safe.

Please share

Extreme Fire Weather Today

The NSWRFS is predicting deteriorating weather today that will be worse than previously advised. A Total Fire Ban remains in force as hot gusty NW winds gusting to 70kph ahead of a SW change later in the day. This will be accompanied by high temperatures and very low humidity, all the ingredients for a further major fire event. Rain yesterday and overnight have hampered back burning efforts.

Residents of the Blue Mountains are advised to prepare for the worst and LEAVING EARLY is your best option under the conditions likely to occur today.

Community meetings were held at Warrimoo and Blaxland last night where this advice was delivered to over 2,000 residents.

Some statistics that brings this situation into perspective. There is over 1600 kms of fire perimeter ( the distance from Sydney to Broken Hill is 1100 kms) The Winmalee Springwood fires have burnt out more than 3000 ha, the Mt Victoria fire and the Lithgow fires have now joined up and together have burnt close to 45000 ha.

If you decide to STAY today, then enact your Bushfire Survival Plan. If you decide to LEAVE then you need to do so well before midday.

Advice on both options is available on the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737) Listen to ABC 702 AM radio or watch ABC TV News 24. Other information is available on RFS Facebook and Twitter as well as the Fires Near Me app on iPhone & Androids.

Finally, if you see flame or any unattended fires call 000. Please STAY SAFE everyone. We are planning for the worst but hoping for the best. Do not be complacent.