The NSW Rural Fire Service said there are dangerous fire conditions forecast for today, with high temperatures and strong winds.
Total fire bans are in place for seven areas today including the New England, Northern Slopes, North Western and Central Ranges areas.
The NSW Rural Fire Service released the below statement this morning regarding the fire in Kaputar National Park:
The Kaputar fire has now burnt over 11 660 hectares in the Mount Kaputar National Park.
Yesterday firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service and National Parks & Wildlife patrolled the perimeter of the fire ground, monitoring for any breaks in containment.
Ground crews, with the assistance of aircraft, quickly attacked a spot fire late in the afternoon in the Upper Horton area. These operations will continue today, with the assistance of heavy plant and aircraft.
Today will see Severe Fire Danger conditions impact upon the fire ground.
Strong northwesterly winds, with gusts up to 65km/h, will continue to push the fire in a south and southeasterly direction.
These conditions will place significant pressure on the eastern control lines. A gradual wind change to the south-west will develop into the evening, however winds will remain throughout the night, albeit easing to approximately 20km/h.
Landholders bordering the National Park in the Lindesay, Upper Horton and Maules Creek area should remain vigilant today.
Under the predicted Severe Fire Danger conditions, fire activity will increase and the fire may spread quickly.
Strong winds may blow ahead of the main fire front that start spot fires and threaten property.
Advice
- A Total Fire Ban is in place today, Saturday 26 October 2019, for the, Moree, Narrabri and Gwydir Shires.
- Under the predicted conditions today, spot fires may occur well ahead of the fire front. Landholders east and south-east of the fire, particularly those in Cotswold Road, Mount Lindesay Road, Horton Falls Road and Trevallyn Road areas, should continue to the monitor their property for any spot fires, and stay up to date with the fire situation.
- Landholders should check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early in the day is your safest option.
Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to the local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
The Kaputar National Park is closed. For more information visit www.npws.nsw.gov.au
If you need to report a new fire or require urgent assistance, dial Triple Zero (000).
Authorised by Deputy Incident Controller Supt David Hoadley, Narrabri Fire Control Centre. Issued by the Incident Management Team on behalf of the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service.
