The Green Wattle Creek fire has been upgraded to Emergency level with an extreme fire danger forecasted for December 19.
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Conditions will be dangerous due to high temperatures, strong and gusty winds and low humidity.
Firefighters will continue work to protect property and establish containment lines in the area, supported by heavy plant machinery and waterbombing aircraft.
Backburning operations may be carried out to strengthen containment lines. This may generate increased smoke in the area.
The Fires Near Me website has issued the folllowing advice:
UPDATED:
Community safety officer Inspector David Stimson has said that the reports of structural damage are not confirmed.
He has yet to evaluate the situation.
"The south westerly winds has seen the fire breach Balmoral Village," he said.
"A southerly wind change will see the fire change direction and could impact Buxton, Couridjah and Thirlmere.
"I'd advise people to listen to the RFS and Police warnings and follow their fire safety plan."
If you are in Balmoral
The fire is moving east towards Balmoral.
If you are in the area of Balmoral take shelter as the fire approaches.
It is too late to leave. Take shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Fire activity is increasing.
If you are in the area of Bargo and Yanderra, it is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
If you are in the area of Tahmoor and your plan is to leave or you are not prepared, leave north towards Picton
If you are in the Burnt Flat, Paling Flat, Long Flat and Bullio areas
The fire is expected to reach this area today. If your plan is to leave, or your are not prepared, leave now towards Mittagong. Follow the advice from firefighters in the area.
If you are in Wanganderry and High Range
Monitor the changing conditions. Follow your bush fire survival plan.
If you are in Lakeslands, Thirlmere, Couridjah, Buxton, Balmoral, Bargo and Hill Top
If you are in these areas to the south east of the fire, monitor conditions. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If you are in Colong Stock Route, Bindook Highlands and locations between Colo Vale and Bullio
If you are in these areas to the south of the fire, monitor the conditions. Be aware of embers travelling ahead of the fire front. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If you are in Jaunter Road and Tuglow
If you are in these areas to the west of the fire, monitor conditions. Know what to do if fire threatens.
If you are threatened by fire
- Do not be in the path of the fire.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Wear protective clothing and footwear. Cover all exposed skin.
- If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
- If you are in an area that has already been affected by fire, there may be small areas of active fire burning for some time. Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.
Evacuation Centre
- For a list of evacuation centres visit Disaster Assistance.
- People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.
- For a list of school closures visit Department of Education.
Other Information
- Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
- People with respiratory conditions who are affected by bush fire smoke should activate their health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.
- For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW. Roads may be closed without warning.
- Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.