Road closures, evacuations, safety tips and more - we will keep you updated with what you need to know about the Green Wattle Creek bushfire currently burning in the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Shires.
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Road closures
December 23 at 7pm
As of 5:00pm today, all current road closures as a result of the Green Wattle Ridge Fire will be removed.
However, Wilson Dr between Hill Top and Buxton will have a 40km/hr speed restriction in place for several weeks for safety reasons while the road remains a work zone. Work currently underway and proposed include power line repairs, tree clean-up, road sweeping and safety inspections.
Bus service
December 23 at 1pm
Wingecarribee Shire Council has organised for buses to inspect fire-affected Balmoral and Buxton today (December 23) at 3pm.
The buses have been organised for directly affected residents of Balmoral and Buxton only.
Residents of Balmoral or Buxton wishing to attend should meet at the foyer entrance of the Mittagong RSL at 3pm.
Residents are requested to meet 15 minutes prior.
A secondary pick up location will depart from the Colo Vale RFS shed at 3.30pm.
Staff from local police, emergency services and support agencies will also be on board as the buses make their way to the respective villages.
Council reiterates that this service is for residents of Balmoral and Buxton only.
Identification may be requested. Public access to these villages remains restricted with Wilson Drive remaining closed north of Stella Street.
Weather update
December 23 at 8.27am
A little rain overnight was a great thing to see. We need more but it's a start and hopefully a sign of things to come.
The forecast for today is:
Partly cloudy with a smoke haze. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the evening then becoming light in the late evening. There is an expected top temperature of 27 and a 10 per cent chance of rain.
The good news is there s a 60 per cent chance of rain on Christmas Eve and a 40 per cent chance of rain on Christmas Day.
Bushfire update
December 23 at 8.24am
The alert for the Green Wattle Creek bushfire sits on advice level this morning.
Current Situation
- The fire remains active in a number of areas.
- Firefighters, supported by heavy plant machinery and aircraft, continue protecting properties in the area as required.
- The fire is burning on multiple fronts close to properties around Balmoral, Thirlmere, Tahmoor and Nattai.
- On the fires northern front, it has crossed to the western side of the Warragamba Gorge near Mountain Lowry Creek.
Advice
Yanderra, Hill Top, Balmoral Village
- Threats to homes have eased.
- Monitor the changing conditions.
Nattai, Pheasants Nest, Buxton, Couridjah, Thirlmere, Tahmoor, Bargo, Yanderra, Oakdale, Lakelands
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Stay alert for embers and spot fires.
- Embers can be blown well ahead of the main fire front, and start spot fires that can threaten homes.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Burnt Flat, Paling Flat, Long Flat and Bullio areas
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Follow the advice from firefighters in the area.
Wanganderry and High Range
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Silverdale, Warragamba, The Oaks, Belimbla Park, Werombi, Orangeville, Theresa Park and Brownlow Hill
- Monitor conditions.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Colong Stock Route, Bindook Highlands and locations between Colo Vale and Bullio
- Monitor the conditions.
- Be aware of embers travelling ahead of the fire front.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
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.
Neighbourhood Safer Places
- A neighbourhood safer place is a place of last resort.
- They are to be used when all other options in your bush fire survival plan cannot be put into action safely.
- The conditions at a neighbourhood safer place may be uncomfortable and you may be affected by heat, smoke and embers.
- Nearby safer locations include:
- Hill Top RFS Station - West Parade, Hill Top
- Balmoral RFS Station - Railway Parade, Balmoral
- Hill Top RFS Station - West Parade, Hill Top
- Balmoral RFS Station - Railway Parade, Balmoral
Evacuation Centre
- Plan to stay with family and friends in a safer location.
- Picton Bowling Club - 10 Cliffe Street, Picton
- Mittagong RSL - Corner Hume Hwy and Bessemer Street, Mittagong
- Narellan Child and Family Community Centre - 14-16 Queen Street, Narellan
- Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park - 42 Exeter Street, Camden. This is a refuge point for animals. Animals must be accompanied by owners at all times. Owners must bring own feed and supplies.
- For a list of evacuation centres visit Disaster Assistance.
- People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.
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.
Road update
December 22 at 8.40am
1. Hume Hwy open
2. Wilson Dr closure moved to Stella Rd, Hilltop
3. Wattle Ridge Road closured at Banksia st, Hilltop ( except for residents along Coates Rd and Wattle Ridge Rd)
4. Wombeyan Caves Rd closed at High Range lane, local traffic excepted.
Weather update
December 22 at 8.36am
Expected weather conditions for today are cloudy, smoky with winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening.
We can also expect a top temperature of 22 and there is only a 10 per cent chance of rain. Fire danger is high.
Watch and act
December 21 at 9.30pm
The Green Wattle Creek bushfire has been downgraded to Watch and Act.
Wildes Meadow fire
December 21 at 4.26pm
Rural Fire Service crews have been called to a grass fire in Cleary's Lane, Wildes Meadow.
Burrawang Rural Fire Brigade volunteers are on scene and it is understood several other brigades are en-route.
The fire is currently listed at advice level on the NSW RFS Fires Near Me website.
Residents are asked to be aware of the fire, monitor its progress and be ready to act quickly if necessary.
Visit Fires Near Me to monitor this fire.
Road closure update
December 21 at 1.24pm
Road closures in Hill Top have been moved further south due to immediate fire danger. Amended road closure are:
1. Wilson Drive at Church Rd to all north bound traffic.
2. Hume Highway closed between Narellan Rd and Illawarra Highway
3. Wombeyan Caves Rd remains closed at High Range lane until further notice to prevent all traffic heading west towards Wombeyan Caves.
Road closure
December 21 at 1.10pm
The Hume Highway is now closed from Narellan Road to Sutton Forest. Picton Road is CLOSED beteeen Mt Ousley and the Picton township.
Emergency warning
December 21 at 1.05pm
The Green Wattle Creek Fire has been upgraded to Emergency level.
Current Situation
- Catastrophic Fire Danger is forecast for this fireground today, Saturday 21 December 2019. Conditions will be very dangerous due to high temperatures, strong and gusty winds and low humidity. This potential fire spread prediction map shows the communities that may come under threat from embers or fire fronts. Other areas surrounding the fire may still come under threat if conditions change such as forecasts, or fires breaking containment lines. Under catastrophic fire danger, your safest option is to leave bush fire prone areas early in the day.
- Fire conditions have eased this afternoon.
- Properties remain under threat.
- Firefighters continue protecting properties in the area, supported by heavy plant machinery and aircraft.
- The fire is burning on multiple fronts close to properties around Balmoral, Thirlmere, Tahmoor and Nattai.
- On the fires northern front, it has crossed to the western side of the Warragamba Gorge near Mountain Lowry Creek.
- The Hume Highway has reopened but may be affected by smoke. Drive to the conditions.
- Conditions are forecast to worsen again tomorrow.
Advice
Hill Top
- Fire activity is increasing.
- It is too late to leave.
- Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Nattai, Pheasants Nest, Buxton, Couridjah, Thirlmere, Tahmoor, Bargo, Yanderra, Oakdale, Lakelands and Balmoral
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Stay alert for embers in the area.
- Embers can be blown well ahead of the fire, starting spot fires that can threaten homes before the main fire front.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
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.
Wanganderry and High Range
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Silverdale, Warragamba, The Oaks, Belimbla Park, Werombi, Orangeville, Theresa Park and Brownlow Hill
- If you are in these areas surrounding the fire, monitor conditions closely
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
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.
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
- Picton Bowling Club - 10 Cliffe Street, Picton
- Mittagong RSL - Corner Hume Hwy and Bessemer Street, Mittagong
- Narellan Child and Family Community Centre - 14-16 Queen Street, Narellan
- Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park - 42 Exeter Street, Camden. This is a refuge point for animals. Animals must be accompanied by owners at all times. Owners must bring own feed and supplies.
- For a list of evacuation centres visit Disaster Assistance.
- People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.
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.
The next update on this fire will be issued by 21/12/2019 13:10 or if the situation changes.
Suspicious person warning for Hill Top
December 21 at 12.55pm
An emergency alert has been issued at Hill Top near Coates Road as firefighters work to protect properties in the area.
The Hill Top brigade has also warned the community about suspicious vehicles in the area.
"Be also aware there is a man going around Hill Top in a Fire brigade shirt and his private vehicle, he is not a member of Hill Top RFS and police are aware of his activities," the station posted on its Facebook page.
Power outages
December 21 at 12.17pm
About 50 customers remain without power in Balmoral and Tahmoor. While some preparatory works are being completed today, Endeavour Energy crews are waiting for the all-clear from the Rural Fire Service to re-enter these areas to undertake repairs.
Road update
December 21 at 11.19
PICTON: Hume Motorway is expected to close at any time. Motorists are encouraged to delay all non-essential travel due to the current catastrophic bushfire conditions. Advice: Stay away.
Weather update
December 21 at 6.15am
Hot and mostly sunny. Smoky. Slight (30%) chance of a shower during this afternoon and evening. Winds northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h tending westerly 35 to 45 km/h in the middle of the day then turning southerly 25 to 35 km/h in the late afternoon.
We can expect a top temperature of 41.
Fire update December 21 at 6.03am
The Green Wattle Creek Fire is currently at Watch and Act alert level.
Current Situation
- Catastrophic Fire Danger is forecast for this fireground on today, Saturday, December 21 2019. Conditions will be very dangerous due to high temperatures, strong and gusty winds and low humidity. This potential fire spread prediction map shows the communities that may come under threat from embers or fire fronts. Other areas surrounding the fire may still come under threat if conditions change such as forecasts, or fires breaking containment lines. Under catastrophic fire danger, your safest option is to leave bush fire prone areas early in the day.
- Fire conditions have eased this afternoon.
- Properties remain under threat.
- Firefighters continue protecting properties in the area, supported by heavy plant machinery and aircraft.
- The fire is burning on multiple fronts close to properties around Balmoral, Thirlmere, Tahmoor and Nattai.
- On the fires northern front, it has crossed to the western side of the Warragamba Gorge near Mountain Lowry Creek.
- The Hume Highway has reopened but may be affected by smoke. Drive to the conditions.
- Conditions are forecast to worsen again tomorrow.
Advice
Nattai, Pheasants Nest, Buxton, Couridjah, Thirlmere, Tahmoor, Bargo, Yanderra, Oakdale, Lakelands, Hill Top and Balmoral
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Stay alert for embers in the area.
- Embers can be blown well ahead of the fire, starting spot fires that can threaten homes before the main fire front.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
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 you are not prepared, leave now towards Mittagong.
- Follow the advice from firefighters in the area.
Wanganderry and High Range
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Silverdale, Warragamba, The Oaks, Belimbla Park, Werombi, Orangeville, Theresa Park and Brownlow Hill
- If you are in these areas surrounding the fire, monitor conditions closely
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
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.
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
- Picton Bowling Club - 10 Cliffe Street, Picton
- Mittagong RSL - Corner Hume Hwy and Bessemer Street, Mittagong
- Narellan Community Centre - 14-16 Queen Street, Narellan
- Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park - 42 Exeter Street, Camden. This is a refuge point for animals. Animals must be accompanied by owners at all times. Owners must bring own feed and supplies.
- 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.
Catastrophic fire conditions forecast for December 21
Conditions will be very dangerous due to high temperatures, strong and gusty winds and low humidity. More here.
Road closures
December 20 at 4.15pm
Road closures in Hill Top have been moved south due to fire activity . Amended road closure are:
1. Wilson Drive at Stella St
2. Wattle Ridge Rd at Bansia St
Wombeyan Caves Rd remains closed at High Range lane until further notice to prevent all traffic heading west towards Wombeyan Caves. Traffic entering from the north is being managed by Wollondilly Emergency Operations Centre.
Endeavour Energy warns of extended power outages
December 20 at 1pm
Damaged power poles due to the Green Wattle Creek fire will see several hundred homes without power in the upcoming weeks.
There are still 750 homes without power in Buxton with surrounding villages also affected. More here.
Brace yourself for more hot days
December 20 at 12.55pm
Residents are being told to brace themselves for worsening conditions as Saturday's temperature is expected to be 41 degrees Celsius.
We are currently in the middle of a four day Total Fire Ban. More here.
Evacuation centres
- Picton Bowling Club - 10 Cliffe Street, Picton
- Mittagong RSL - Corner Hume Hwy and Bessemer Street, Mittagong
- Narellan Community Centre. 14-16 Queen Street, Narellan
- 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.
Current situation at 9.30am on December 20:
- Dangerous fire conditions and erratic fire behaviour have continued overnight.
- Properties remain under threat.
- Firefighters are undertaking protect properties in the area, supported by heavy plant machinery and aircraft.
- The fire is burning on multiple fronts close to properties around Balmoral, Thirlmere, Tahmoor and Nattai.
- On the fires northern front, it has crossed to the western side of the Warragamba Gorge near Mountain Lowry Creek.
- The Hume Highway has reopened but may be affected by smoke. Drive to the conditions.
- Conditions are forecast to worsen again tomorrow.
Advice
Nattai
- It is too late to leave.
- Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Pheasants Nest, Buxton, Couridjah, Thirlmere, Tahmoor
- It is too late to leave.
- Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Bargo and Yanderra
- It is too late to leave.
- Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Oakdale and Lakesland
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Stay alert for embers in the area.
- Embers can be blown well ahead of the fire, starting spot fires that can threaten homes before the main fire front.
Balmoral
- The fire is moving east towards Balmoral.
- It is too late to leave. Take shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
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.
Wanganderry and High Range
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Silverdale, Warragamba, The Oaks, Belimbla Park, Werombi, Orangeville, Theresa Park and Brownlow Hill
- If you are in these areas surrounding the fire, monitor conditions closely
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Lakeslands, 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.
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.
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.
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.
