Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade shared a photo.

What a change in seasons!!

As a result of the fires in Winmalee, the Brigade has resolved to abandon our annual door knock. We consider that this year, the Community does not need to be asked to donate funds to the Brigade.

However, the Brigade has been financially devastated by the fires. We have lost our shed at Yellowrock (built by the Brigade out of Brigade funds), and most of our reserve equipment (used to equip the out of State Strike Teams)

If you wish to assist in the financial recovery of the Brigade, we would greatly appreciate your support. Donations can be made to:

Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade
Commonweath Bank
BSB 062-601
Account Number : 0090 0310

Regards,
Anthony Black
Captain
Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade

A quick appreciation post for the Rapid Relief Team. This community group has not only been supporting the community at various times but have been supporting the RFS throughout the past week. They have travelled with and not left the Command post since Last Thursday Night, 24 hours a day. They have provided catering support both at the staging area as well as delivering meals to those on the fire ground. The Rapid Relief Team has also provided the crews with everything they could need, along with cleaning and collecting supplies for those on the ground. A huge thank you!!

Out of areas taking a well earned break after a long night. Thanks for the help from all those who have travelled so far to lend a hand!!

It has now been over 7 days since that horrendous Thursday. Winmalee RFB has been overwhelmed by all the support and well wishes from our community. It has been a long week, there has been heartache and incredible strength. We still have a long way to go until normality starts to return. We encourage you to support your local businesses, they have been supporting us in so many ways. When this is all over we will post a list of all those who contributed. Stay strong all

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