Update 12 pm:
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Crews will be undertaking a large tactical back burn to help contain the Green Wattle fire today. People in the area of Warragamba and points further to the north can expect to see a large amount of smoke.
Earlier:
The fire at Green Wattle Creek is a timely reminder for residents to have a fire plan ready.
At this point the Highlands is not under direct threat but the challenges faced by our neighbours in Wollondilly and South Coast is a prompt reminders to clear properties, monitor conditions and leave if necessary.
The fire warning in the Wollondilly region is at Watch and Act level after it was downgraded last night from an Emergency warning.
Residents in the Northern Villages are reminded to clear their properties, monitor the conditions and leave if necessary.
The Rural Fire Service has issued a severe fire danger rating and set a total fire ban for the Wingecarribee Shire for Friday December 6.
The NSW Rural Fire Service advises you to:
- Action your Bushfire Survival Plan now.
- Monitor the fire and weather situation through your local radio station, www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au.
- Call 000 (Triple Zero) in an emergency.
The Rural Fire Service advises that if you are in an area of Severe Fire Danger:
- If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day
- Only stay if your home is well prepared and you can actively defend it
- Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property - if in doubt, leave.
According to the latest update from the NSW Fires Near Me website, the Green Wattle Creek is burning on both sides of Lake Burragorang and has crossed Ridge Road, north of Oakdale.
Firefighters are working to slow the spread of the fire and protect properties in the area.
Learn more about how to establish a fire plan here.
As the smoke makes it way down to the Southern Highlands, people are advised to take precautions and stay indoors to avoid irritations to the eyes, nose and throat, and to avoid aggravating existing lung and heart conditions.
Older adults and people with heart and lung conditions are most susceptible to the effects of air pollution and excessive smoke.
Southern NSW Local Health District has outlined a range of simple tips to help stay safe and healthy during the smoke/poor air quality:
- People with asthma, heart disease and other lung and heart conditions should avoid vigorous outdoor physical activity when smoke is around.
- Staying indoors with the doors and windows shut is an effective way of reducing exposure to smoke.
- People with asthma or a lung condition should follow their Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Action Plan and carry their relieving medication with them. If your symptoms do not settle, seek medical advice.
- In case of emergency always dial Triple Zero.
If smoky conditions are prolonged for several days or more:
- Keep doors and windows of your home closed while smoke is about and take advantage of any breaks in the smoky conditions to air out your home.
- If possible, spend some time in air-conditioning with the air-conditioner set to recirculate indoor air.
- Consider postponing outdoor events, especially sporting and other physically active events.
- Avoid indoor sources of air pollution like candles, incense, and wood burning heaters.
If a fire is burning in your area stay up-to-date by monitoring the NSW RFS website at and Fires Near Me app
Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
