Crews and aircraft deployed to battle Narrabri fires

Firefighters have been assisted by aircraft and heavy machinery to control bush fires burning in parts of the Narrabri district, including a significant fire in the Pilliga Forest.

Across the weekend, firefighters from the Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Forestry continued to work on multiple fires in the Narrabri district.

Significant aircraft resources have also been deployed, including the NSW RFS Large Air Tanker to these fires.

Many of the aircraft are operating out of the Narrabri Airport.

Significant progress was made on fires at South Boundary Road (Bobbiwaa) and Terra Delba (Pilliga), which are now listed as being controlled. A fire at Duck Creek, however, has continued to grow, and was approaching 15,000 hectares in size late in the weekend.

Speaking with The Courier on Monday about the fire activity, public information officer Kate Carter advised the Duck Creek blaze continues to be a concern.

While the Duck Creek fire is under control, work continues to ensure outbreaks are contained.

Ms Carter said 25 units and 65 firefighters from multiple agencies had been on the ground, supported by six bombers and three helicopters across all fire activity in the district.

The South Boundary Road fire was still experiencing some activity as of Monday, as was Berrygill.

The Local Emergency Management Committee met at Narrabri RFS headquarters for their second daily meeting on Monday morning. Daily meetings will continue throughout the critical fire period. Among the agencies represented at the sessions are Fire and Rescue, RFS, police, National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Forestry, SES, VRA, Transport for NSW and the shire council. Above, at Monday’s meeting, Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens, Narrabri Fire and Rescue station commander Shane Bradford, Chief Inspector Robert Dunn, RFS incident controller Superintendent Bron Waters and Local Emergency Management officer Eloise Chaplain. Right, The Narrabri Rural Fire Service HQ is the hub for a multi-agency response to the bushfires.

Fire activity at Terra Delba, however, has slowed.

Initial information suggests the fires across the district were started as a result of the extensive lightning experienced across the region late last week.

In regards to the Duck Creek blaze, smoke from the fire is impacting the Newell Highway near Goose Road.

The highway remains closed in both directions between Narrabri and Coonabarabran.

The Rural Fire Service advised there is no immediate threat to communities.

Smoke will continue to settle across the district, particularly in the evenings and early mornings. Please only call 000 if you see an unattended fire, the RFS advises.

The RFS also advises be people to be aware of their surroundings.

“If you are in a fire affected area, be aware of what is happening,” Ms Carter said.

“Keep up to date through the Hazards Near Me app.”

If people living near fire affected areas are inside their homes, she also encouraged them to go outside from time to time to see what is happening in their surrounds.