A state of emergency is in effect across New South Wales as authorities warn of an unparalleled fire emergency and a potential mega-fire across hundreds of kilometres.
Premier Barry O’Farrell says the emergency declaration gives authorities additional powers for the next 30 days, including the right to order the public to leave areas and cutting gas and power supplies if needed.
“We’re planning for the worst but hoping for the best,” Mr O’Farrell said.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says the worst-possible scenario would see the three large fires burning in the Blue Mountains join up.
He says fire crews are dealing with “unparalleled conditions” and the situation is extremely serious.
Preliminary investigations by NSW RFS fire investigators on the Linksview Road (Springwood) and Mt York (Mount Victoria) fires have determined the fires started as a result of powerlines during strong winds.
Emergency Warning – State Mine Fire (Lithgow, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains) 21/10/13
18:21
Posted: 21/10/2013
A bush fire is burning near the township of Bell. The fire also continues to burn around the areas of Mt Irvine, McKellars Park, Bilpin, Hartley Vale, Dargan and Clarence.
Current Situation
An Emergency Alert telephone warning message is being sent to people in the vicinity of Inberra Road and Mount Irvine Road (also known as Bowens Creek Road) Berambing. People in this area are advised to shelter in place as the fire approaches.
An Emergency Alert telephone warning message was also sent yesterday to the community of Bell. The community of Bell is advised to leave now if not prepared and travel west along the Bells Line of Road towards Lithgow. The Evacuation Centre at Lithgow Workers Club is open.
A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force for the Greater Sydney area until further notice.
Advice for residents along the Bells Line of Road
- Berambing – People in the area near Inberra Road and Mount Irvine Road (also known as Bowens Creek Road) should seek shelter if the fire impacts on their property. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
- West of Bilpin Village – Residents in other areas west of the Bilpin Village between Bowens Creek Rd and Mt Wilson Rd including the communities of Mt Tomah are advised to relocate. You should travel east along the Bells Line of Road towards Richmond.
- Bilpin Village – Residents between Mountain Lagoon Rd and Bowens Creek Rd can choose to remain however, it is expected to become isolated and you may not be able to leave for a number of days. Should you choose to stay, ensure you and your property are properly prepared. Be aware that electricity supply to the area may be cut off for several days.
- East of Bilpin Village – Residents in the area of Bells Line of Road between Mountain Lagoon Road and Pittman Road should relocate if you and your property are not prepared for the onset of fire. Travel east towards Richmond.
- Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Communities – Residents are advised to remain in place. There is fire burning along access roads and it is not safe to leave. There is a high likelihood you will be isolated for a number of days.
- Kurrajong, Bowen Mountain and Yarramundi – Although the fire is not in the immediate area, use today to prepare your home and continue to monitor the situation.
Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.
Only well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.
If you are in doubt or it is not safe to leave, take shelter in a solid structure when the fire front arrives. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Evacuation Centres
Seek accommodation with family and friends as this will be the most comfortable option. If required the Evacuation Centre at North Richmond can assist with accommodation.
Bring any medication and clothing you may require, as you may not be able to return to the area for a number of days.
- North Richmond Community Hall – 33 William Street, North Richmond
- Lithgow Workers Club – 3 Tank Street, Lithgow
- Springwood Sports Centre – 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood
Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis
- House (Habitable Dwelling) – 1 damaged, 3 destroyed
- Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 1 damaged, 7 destroyed
Road Closures
Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures and roads may be closed without notice. Road closures continue to be assessed, however, there is no forecast as to when they will reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Watch and Act – Mount York Road, Mount Victoria Fire (Blue Mountains) 21/10/13 19:56
Posted: 21/10/2013
Firefighters may backburn around the Blackheath area tonight, to assist with containing this fire around the Blackheath and Mount Victoria area.
Current Situation
Backburning operations will be carried out around the Blackheath area overnight in an effort to contain the fire and protect properties in the Blackheath area.
During these operations, people in the Blackheath area will see an increase in fire and smoke. These backburns may take place close to homes. Firefighters will be working in the area.
The threat to the Great Western Highway has been reduced due to successful backburning of Burghoffers Pass.
Should conditions worsen, this fire may cross Burghoffers Pass and force the closure of Great Western Highway to the west of Mount Victoria.
The fire could spread through Grose Valley and potentially threaten properties to the north of Great Western Highway at Mount Victoria. Under these conditions, fires can be difficult to control. Embers may be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires. These spot fires may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front.
There is significant smoke throughout the area from Katoomba to Glenbrook and beyond.
A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in place for the Greater Sydney Region until further notice.
Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis
House (Habitable Dwelling) – 1 damaged, 7 destroyed
Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 0 damaged, 0 destroyed
Advice
Residents in the Blue Mountains area are urged to remain vigilant and prepared with hot, dry and windy conditions forecast, people right across these fire affected areas that live in or near bushland should take the forecast conditions seriously, be on alert and complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan or review their current plan.
At this stage, the Great Western Highway will remain open unless affected by fire activity.
Well prepared homes can offer safety during the fire. Conditions may be changing. Continue to monitor the situation.
Put your Bush Fire Survival Plan into action. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan,know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.
Evacuation Centres
Evacuation Centres have been established at:
- Lithgow Workers Club is OPEN.
- Springwood Sports Club is OPEN.
Road Closures
Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures. Please also be aware that road closures may occur without notice. These closures will continue to be assessed across the day, however, there is no forecast as to when these roads will reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Public Transport Closures
For the latest public transport information visit 131500.com.au or call 131 500.
Other Information
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- If you are concerned about the welfare of family and friends, please contact the Police Information Centre on 1800 227 228.
- Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
- If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
- For health information about the impact of smoke on your health visit NSW Health.
- Disaster Welfare Assistance Line (1800 018 444) provides information about disaster relief grants for content and structural repairs, available to low income earners with no insurance.
Stay safe all of you. If in doubt leave. Lee and Angela in Sydney but we’re thinking and praying for the whole area and all the wonderful people in it.