An emergency warning has been issued for a section of bushfire which is burning out of control in the Stockyard Flat, Spur Trail, Yarrowitch and Oxley Wild River National Park area.
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The fire took a run and crossed the Warnes River and Kangaroo Flat Roads earlier this afternoon which is impacting on properties in the Blomfield Road area in the Walcha LGA.
Residents of Blomfield Road, Mooraback Road and Kangaroo Flat Road have been told it is too late to leave and they should seek shelter as the fire approaches and protect themselves from the heat of the fire.
Those on Kangaroo Flat closer to the south of the Oxley Highway who are not prepared are advised to leave but to take care on the roads, be aware of RFS vehicle traffic and drive slowly.
An emergency warning is the highest level of Bush Fire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk. Anyone in the area should check and follow their Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. The Rural Fire Service (RFS) advises that leaving early is your safest option.
The fire is currently 4,257 hectares in size and is out of control. The RFS has about ten trucks in the area and is conducting aircraft water bombing.
A spokesperson for the RFS said the current strong gusts of northwesterly winds are creating quite difficult fire conditions on the ground, and they are expected to continue into Saturday.
Residents are encouraged to check the Fires Near Me App or call the Bushfire Fire Information Line on 1300 679 737. If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
What to do during a fire
Follow your bush fire survival plan. If you do not have a bush fire survival plan, ensure you know what you will do before, during and after the fire. Remember - leaving early is your safest option.
Before the fire
- Put on your protective clothing
- Turn on the radio to keep yourself informed
- Bring pets inside and keep them in one room
- Close all windows and doors
- Block spaces beneath doors and windows with wet towels
- Fill buckets, sinks and bath tubs with water ready to put out spot fires
- Have your firefighting equipment like pumps and hoses connected to your water supply
- Block downpipes and fill gutters with water
- Remove items which can burn from around your home like outdoor furniture
- Bring ladders inside to check roof space for embers
- Patrol the outside of your home putting out any embers or spot fires
- Just before the fire arrives, wet down timber decks and gardens close to the house
- Move any firefighting equipment to a place where it will not get burnt
During the fire
- Go inside but stay alert
- Shelter in a room on the opposite side of the house from the approaching fire and one that has a clear exit out of the house
- Patrol inside the house, including the roof space looking for sparks and embers
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire
- If your life is at risk, call triple zero (000)
Once the fire has passed
- Check your roof spaces
- Go outside and put out any part of your house which is alight
- Check under the house and any decks
- Check on your pets and animals
- Embers or sparks can start spot fires for many hours after the fire has passed
- If you can, contact your family and friends and check on your neighbours
Vanessa Arundale
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
