ELDERLY and infirmed residents of Hanging Rock have been urged to evacuate as a blazes on both sides move toward the village.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Community meetings will be held in Nundle and Hanging Rock on New Year's Eve to warn residents who would be difficult to move in an emergency about the threat, Tamworth Rural Fire Service superintendent Allyn Purkiss said.
"We have multiple fires around there and if they don't hold containment lines, those people are going to be difficult to evacuate," he said.
"Whenever human life is in danger, that's a priority over everything else.
"If we remove the lives out of the equation that allows us to prioritise our other jobs a bit quicker."
It's not an official evacuation order, but a warning for those who aren't comfortably able to help themselves in an emergency situation to leave while they can.
Hanging Rock residents are in a vulnerable position, with the Pearson's Trail and Pages Creek fires either side of the village.
Hot temperatures and low humidity mean the fires are very active.
Firefighters have had some relief from tough wind conditions, but the terrain has made the blazes difficult to fight and given Hanging Rock's location, the fire will travel faster uphill.
Properties on Shearers Road and Barry Road will be impacted first.
The community meetings are at Hanging Rock Hall at 4pm and Nundle Memorial Hall at 5:30pm.
Tragically, a third firefighter lost his life on Monday when a truck rolled over at a Green Valley fire.
Samuel McPaul was expecting his first child with his wife Meghan in May.
Mr Purkiss said it's just another blow for firefighters who are fatigued and frustrated.
"We're still getting over the last two poor buggers," he said.
"It just shows what a dangerous job these people are doing.
"Even the wind is playing havoc with us, Mother Nature is not playing nice at the moment."
Read also:
Relentless fires means volunteer crews have worked long hours in difficult conditions.
Fatigue means decisions aren't being made as clearly, so management teams have changed tactics to try to remove as many threats as they can.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
