THE massive Gospers Mountain bushfire is burning within just six kilometres of the Mount Piper Power Station and close to the Springvale coal mine.
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An emergency warning was issued for the 401,754 hectare blaze at 3.50pm on Monday, with residents in Wallerawang, Lidsdale, Blackmans Flat and Wolgan Valley told it was too late to leave.
The blaze was then downgraded to advice level around 10pm when conditions eased across the fireground.
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Late on Monday, the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) said crews would be working: "Overnight to slow the spread of fire as well as strengthen containment lines overnight as fire dangers are set to increase throughout the next week".
The out-of-control bushfire continues to burn on multiple fronts and at 7.30am on Tuesday and remained at advice level.
Meanwhile, a bushfire at Palmers Oaky remains out-of-control following an emergency warning being issued at 2pm on Monday.
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This fire has so far burnt through 2221 hectares of bush and is burning in the Razorback Road and Cherry Tree area.
The fire is burning to the west of Castlereagh Highway, and is south east of Razorback Road.
"An easterly wind change is pushing the fire in a westerly direction," the RFS said.
"Conditions have eased however spot fires may still start ahead of the main fire front.
"Firefighters are working to contain the fire."
See advice for this fire below.
Current situation and advice for Gospers Mountain fire
Mt Lagoon, Bilpin, Mt Irvine, Mt Wilson, Berambing and Mt Tomah areas along the Bells Line of Road
- The fire continues to burn on both sides of the Bells Line of Road, and is now burning in the Grose Valley.
- On Sunday, fire activity increased with the fire jumping Mount Wilson Road and impacting the Berambing and Mt Tomah area.
- Monitor conditions and know what you will do if fire threatens.
- Take advice from firefighters working in the area.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Wallerawang, Lidsdale and Blackmans Flat areas
- Fire activity has eased in this area.
- Take advice from firefighters working in the area.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change. Know what you'll do if fire threatens.
Angus Place and Wolgan areas
- The fire has crossed Wolgan Road and is burning in the Ben Bullen State Forest.
- The fire has crossed Wolgen Valley and is spreading towards Cullen Bullen.
- If you are in the Wolgan Valley area, continue to monitor conditions, and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Bell, Newnes Junction, Clarence and Dargan areas
- The fire continues to burn approximately 6km north of these areas.
- Backburning operations continue ahead of the main fire front, between the area of Bell and Newnes Junction.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Glen Davis, Glen Alice and Bogee areas
- Fire continues to burn in a westerly direction within the Wollomi National Park.
- Continue to monitor conditions, and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Putty area
- There is active fire on the north western side of the village.
- Continue to monitor conditions, and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Colo, Upper Colo and Colo Heights areas
- The fire has passed through these areas.
- Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan. Leaving early is your safest option.
Kurrajong, Kurrajong Heights and Bowen Mountain area
- The fire is moving east towards Kurrajong.
- The fire is approximately 20km west of the Kurrajong area.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Ensure that your property is well prepared.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Lower Macdonald, Upper Macdonald and Perrys Crossing area
- Fire has passed through this area.
- Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.
- Monitor conditions and be ready to take action.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
- If your plan is to leave or you are not prepared, leave early.
Mogo Creek, Fernances, Bucketty areas
- Backburning operations continue in this area.
- Crews continue to patrol and monitor the area.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan. Leaving early is your safest option.
Road Closures
- Bells Line of Road is closed at the Skyline Road intersection.
- Skyline Road is still closed until further notice.
- Due to operational activity there will be no access to Valley Ridges Road and Ghost Hill Road. These two roads will be reassessed on today.
- Putty Road is closed between south of Long Weeney Creek Trail and Milbrodale Road.
- Comleroy Road is closed at Warrigal Road, Kurrajong.
- Drift / State Mine Gully Road is closed.
- Old Bells Line of Road / Clarence Road is closed.
- Blackfellows Hands Trail is closed.
- Check www.livetraffic.com for road information
Current situation and advice for Palmers Oaky fire
If you are in the area of Upper Turon, Turon River, Razorback Road, Cherry Tree Hill and Running Stream, watch out for embers that may start fires ahead of the main fire front.
Monitor the changing conditions.
Know what you will do if the fire approaches.
Stay up-to-date at Fires Near Me.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
