The fire danger rating for Thursday is high.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fire activity has eased across the fire ground however may increase in local areas depending on local terrain and weather conditions.
Crews are continuing to strengthen and patrol containment lines now that there are improved weather conditions.
The Green Wattle Creek fire has burnt approximately 246,000 hectares since November 26.
This fire is burning in four local government areas including Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Upper Lachlan and Oberon.
It has a perimetre of more than 1000km and is not contained.
General advice to all residents in the vicinity of the Green Wattle Creek Fire: Wingecarribee and Wollondilly
Extreme fire danger is predicted for the Illawarra/Shoalhaven and Southern Ranges for Saturday, January 4.
Residents should review their bushfire survival plan and be prepared for unpredictable fire behaviour as we move into the weekend.
You may be notified about official warnings. However you need to decide when you will leave. Leaving early is the safest option.
Residents should be alert for embers and spot fires. If you observe active fires tat are not attended, please call Triple Zero (000).
Residents need to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground if there is local fire activity.
Water bombing aircraft will continue to be used, where able to support firefighting efforts.
Residents need to be mindful of the potential danger for their personal safety if too close to water bombing aircraft when re-filling and bombing.
Please keep well away from all water bombing and filling operations.
Advice for all residents
- All residents should prepare themselves and their properties for increase fire activity.
- Check and follow your bush fire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes and be ready to act promptly.
- For your survival, residents are advised that leaving early is the only safe option. If your plan is to leave you should leave immediately.
- Residents are asked to be mindful of the movement of fire tankers and utility provider vehicles.
- Monitor conditions in your area closely and keep up to date using the information sources below.
- Only notify Triple Zero (000) in the case of an active fire without firefighters in attendance.
- All residents in the local government areas of Wollondilly, Wingecarribee, Upper Lachlan and Oberon should monitor the RFS Southern Highlands Team Facebook page for regular fire updates as well as Fires Near Me.
- Weather conditions may produce an increase the smoke drift. People with respiratory conditions who are affected by bushfire smoke should activate their health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows. It may be necessary to leave the area.
- Smoke drift from fires along the south coast may impact on communities in the Wingecarribee and surrounds.
Read also: Throwback Thursday January 2006: PHOTOS
Roads advice
Check with the Roads and Maritime Service on 131 700 or check Live Traffic at www.livetraffic.com for the most up to date situation. Alternatively, download the Live Traffic app.
Motorists are requested to avoid entering fire affected towns.
Firefighting vehicles are still patrolling and monitoring hotspots and outbreaks of new fires.
Local roads may be open or closed at very short notice.
Be mindful this holiday period of potential road closures.
Plan your travel and alternate routes. On days of elevated fire danger, roads may close at short notice as a result of new fires.
- Wombeyan Caves Road is closed between High Range Lane and Wombeyan Caves with the exception of local residents.
- The Colong Stock Route remains closed due to dangerous trees.
- The Hampton to Jenolan Caves Road is closed - other than to local residents.
Information
Keep up to date with the latest information.
- Download the NSW RFS Fires Near Me app to your smartphone for information on all fires within the state.
- Check the NSW Rural Fire Service for the latest fire information and fire dangfer ratings at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
- Follow the RFS Southern Highlands Team on Facebook.
- Call Agriculture Animal Services for emergency fodder and water on 1800 814 647.
- Radio 97.3 ABC Illawarra and local radio stations.
- If you need to report a new fire or require urgent assistance dial Triple Zero (000).
