THE RFS is urging people in this area to remain vigilant despite cooler conditions and even rain across firegrounds.
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Southern Tablelands RFS operations officer Lachlan Gilchrist said conditions had cooled overnight but the threat remained.
This morning the Southern Tablelands deployed over 50 appliances to four fire grounds within the Zone and to neighbouring districts.
"It is hoped today that the milder conditions will allow crews to proactively work on containment strategies ahead of expected worsening conditions later in the week," he said.
"Whilst the alert status for the Currowan and Green Wattle Creek Fires were downgraded last night, they remain very large and real threat for communities in the area.
"Whilst more favourable firefighting conditions over the next 24 hours will allow crews to work on the implementation of containment strategies, the light rain overnight means back burning is not an option, in some regards it will hamper our efforts.
"We are not by any means out of the woods, these remain very large fire systems and the community need to remain vigilant as conditions are expected to change, people need to respect the threat, stay up to date and be prepared to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan.
"The Jacqua Creek Fire at Bungonia remains concerning for crews as access in the difficult terrain is hampering containment strategies, but increased resourcing had been allocated to the blaze today in an effort to harden containment whilst the weather is favourable."
The fire started on January 1 and has burnt through at least 988 hectares. Mr Gilchrist expected it to spread southwest but not significantly given the current moderate winds
On Sunday, Mr Gilchrist said 40 appliances had worked across the Currowan, Green Wattle Creek, Jacqua Creek, near Bungonia, and Charleys Forest fires. All are today sitting at advice level. The Caoura Road fire at Tallong is now part of the Currowan fire.
"They are hard at work on containment strategies to prevent further excalation of the fires. It's been a better day for us," he said.
Strong winds were still proving a challenge for crews fighting the Green Wattle Creek blaze around Wombeyan Caves, as was access along the main entry road.
The RFS reminded people to stay up to date on the fires in their area through:
- The Fires Near Me App
- The NSW Rural Fire Services Website
- The Bushfire Information Line 1800 679 737
- The ABC, which is the emergency broadcaster; and
- Live Traffic for road closures in the area.
Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
