A total fire ban is in place with a very high fire danger rating for the Wingecarribee Shire.
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Firefighters are expecting deteriorating weather conditions in the next two days with a forecast northwesterly winds and hot temperatures.
It is anticipated southerly winds will ease conditions by 5pm on Tuesday.
NSW Rural Fire Service public liaison officer Jonty Bruce said back burning efforts had ceased.
"We've moved into strengthening containment lines. That'll be done by firefighters and water bombing aircraft where able," Mr Bruce said.
"Water bombing aircraft will also work to slow the spread of active fire fronts.
"Aircraft activity will depend on conditions for flying. They can't fly in smoke and strong winds will prevent aviation."
Mr Bruce asked people to reconsider their bushfire survival plans and travel plans for the week.
"We do expect the Hume Highway may be closed [in the coming days]," he said.
"There's no plan and we're doing everything we can to avoid that."
Mr Bruce reminded members of the community there would be a meeting to discuss the Green Wattle Creek and Currowan bushfires at Mittagong RSL Club at 7pm on Monday.
He said the venue had a capacity of 600 people so he encouraged as many as possible to view the live steam of the meeting on the RFS Southern Highlands Team Facebook page.
Mr Bruce also advised people to use official sources of information rather than unofficial social media posts.
"People using social media for information need to look at true sources such as the NSW RFS or RFS Southern Highlands Team Facebook pages," he said.
"Despite what people may hear on scanners or hear from their neighbours, sometimes it's only part of the information.
"It's usually only a quick updates of situations provided through radio networks, people don't get the full overview. That can be dangerous for decision making."
Current Situation
- The fire remains active in a number of areas.
- Firefighters, supported by water bombing aircraft, are working to strengthen containment lines across the fireground today.
- Fire activity may increase in local areas dependant on terrain and local weather conditions.
- Deteriorating conditions are forecast over the coming days with expected high temperatures and strong winds.
Advice
Yanderra, Hill Top, Buxton, Yerrinbool and Colo Vale
- Monitor conditions. Be 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.
- Activate your bush fire survival plan.
Alpine, Aylmerton, Willow Vale, Braemar, Balaclava, Mittagong and Mt Gibraltar areas
- Monitor the changing conditions. Strong north westerly winds may push embers into the area.
- 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.
Balmoral Village, Nattai, Pheasants Nest, Couridjah, Thirlmere, Tahmoor, Bargo, Oakdale, Lakesland, Silverdale, Warragamba, The Oaks, Belimbla Park, Werombi, Orangeville, Theresa Park and Brownlow Hill
- Elevated fire danger has the potential to see flare ups along the eastern edge of the fire.
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Burnt Flat, Paling Flat, Long Flat, Bullio, Colong Stock Route, Bindook Highlands, Wanganderry, High Range and Bullio
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Follow the advice from firefighters in the area.
Jenolan, Jaunter Road, Tuglow and Kanangra areas
- Fire is burning within containment lines.
- Monitor the changing conditions
Rock Lilly and Barrallier areas
- Fire activity has increased in the area. Take advice from firefighters on the ground.
- Monitor the changing conditions.
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.
Community Meeting
- 7pm Monday 30 December at Mittagong RSL - Cnr Hume Highway and Bessemer Street, Mittagong.
- A 600 person capacity is enforced. People are encouraged to watch the livestream on the NSW RFS Southern Highlands Team Facebook page.
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.
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.
