A fire has been burning out of control in the Wolgan Valley since Monday night, January 12, cutting off the Wolgan Road.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As of Thursday afternoon, it had burned 18 hectares, mainly in State Forest and Crown Land.
Air crews have been dropping retardant to try and help calm the blaze due to challenging conditions.
“We are looking to find crews to come in over the weekend because when it gets dark it becomes too dangerous to have any crews out in the terrain,” Chifley/Lithgow RFS Inspector Mick Holland said.
Fire crews have been battling trying weather conditions, including high temperatures and gusting winds throughout the week.
“The outlook is not great at this stage,” Inspector Holland said.
Multiple crews from NSW RFS and Forestry Corporation are on site to continue working towards containing the fire, which is burning on the side of the escarpment. Earlier in the week, they were joined in the fight by crews from National Parks and Wildlife.
The fire had not progressed overnight on Wednesday night, but strong winds had continued.
There were no direct threats to life or property, however Chifley-Lithgow Rural Fire Service asked everyone in the Wolgan Valley area to review their bush fire survival plan, ahead of the strong winds.
The fire is burning in very steep terrain, creating a challenge to fire crews. Ground crews and aircraft will continue to focus on the area. Wolgan Road remains under controlled conditions while the fire-fighting operation continues.
A total fire ban is in place for Friday, February 16 for the Central ranges.
Chifley-Lithgow Rural Fire Service took to its Facebook page this week night to praise its crews, who have been tasked with fighting fires at Belerada Creek near Bathurst as well as in the Wolgan Valley in the past few days.
“To all Chifley/Lithgow crews, No matter what fire ground you were on in the last few days,you have all done a great job. Your hard work and dedication is what makes our team one of the best,” the post stated.
The Rural Fire Service also wanted to thank all the supporters of the crews on the ground and in the air who are working to protect everyone in the valley.
Keep up to date via the Fires Near Me app and website.
