There are two active fires in the Southern Highlands.
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The Green Wattle Creek fire is at advice level as of 10:15 am January 11.
The Morton fire is at advice level as of 10:15 am January 11.
An overnight southerly change increased fire activity across the Morton fire and an 'emergency' level warning was issued at 1:09 am.
NSW RFS community safety officer David Stimson said that crews were ready to conduct property protection measures if required and that additional resources were staged in the area to respond to the escalating situation.
"There was a substantial increase in fire activity however the weather associated with the southerly meant that the weather cooled down and the fire activity abated quickly," he said.
Building Impact Assessment Teams will inspect properties within the fireground, however Inspector Stimson said that there were no major structural impacts reported at the time.
RFS crews will continue to patrol and mop up any hot spots.
An aerial team will be deployed to fly over the fire ground to determine where the fire is and assess the situation when the cloud coverage has cleared.
Residents should be aware that the Morton Fire is still not contained and may impose further threats until it is declared out.
The message from the NSW Rural Fire Service is unchanged:
- Remain vigilant and monitor the location and movement of the fire
- Follow the RFS Southern Highlands Team Facebook page
- Use the 'Fires Near Me' app on your smartphone
- Refer to the NSW RFS Website and look for 'Major Fire Updates'
- Review your Bush Fire Survival Plan and ensure that you sit down with all members of the family and discuss what all will do if impacted by fire. If you do not have a Plan ask yourself 'Why Not? And ensure you know what you will do if fire impacts
- Be prepared to act quickly if the situation changes
Green Wattle Creek fire:
Current Situation
- There is still active fire in the areas of Wombeyan Caves, Taralga, Bannaby and Mares Forest.
- A southerly change moved through the fireground last night and early this morning.
Advice
Wombeyan Caves, Bullio, Joadja and surrounding areas
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Local roads may be blocked or closed.
- Be alert for smoke and embers.
Areas to the north and west of Mittagong, including Rock Lilly, Barralier
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Local roads may be blocked or closed.
- Be alert for smoke and embers.
Burnt Flat, Paling Flat, Long Flat, Colong Stock Route, Bindook Highlands, Wanganderry, High Range
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Local roads may be blocked or closed.
- Be alert for smoke and embers.
Alpine, Aylmerton, Willow Vale, Braemar, Balaclava, Mittagong, Bowral, Berrima, Woodlands and Mt Gibraltar areas
- The fire continues to burn west of the Hume Highway.
- Monitor conditions.
Hill Top and Colo Vale
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Local roads may be blocked or closed.
- Be alert for smoke and embers.
Areas of Wollondilly and Wingecarribee to the west of the Hume Highway including Yerrinbool, Buxton, Bargo, Tahmoor, Oakdale, Silverdale and surrounding areas
- The fire has passed through the area. There may still be unburnt areas and active fire.
- Monitor the conditions. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Stay alert for embers and spot fires.
- Follow the advice from firefighters in the area.
Jenolan, Jaunter Road, Tuglow and Kanangra and surrounding areas
- Hotspots may be active within containment lines.
- Monitor the conditions.
Canyonleigh and surrounding areas
- Monitor the conditions.
- Know what you will do if the 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.
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.
Morton fire:
Current Situation
- A fire is burning in the area of Bundanoon, north of the Shoalhaven River and south of Wingello, Penrose and Exeter, in the Meryla area.
- Fire activity has eased in the areas of Penrose and Riverview Rd at Bundanoon
- A southerly change has passed through the fireground.
- The fire has spread into the Southern Highlands from the Currowan fire.
- Local roads and the Hume Highway may be closed at short notice. Drive to the conditions.
Advice
Penrose and Riverview Road at Bundanoon
- Fire activity is easing.
- Residents should continue to monitor the situation.
Wingello, Meryla, Exeter, Avoca, Fitzroy Falls and surrounding areas
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Be alert for embers and spot fires in the area.
- Be alert for falling trees and branches.
- Local roads may be blocked or closed.
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.