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.