Watch and Act - State Mine Fire (Lithgow, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains) 23/10/13 19:23
Posted: 23/10/2013
A bush fire continues to burn near the township of Bell. The fire also continues to burn around the areas of Mt Irvine, McKellars Park, Bilpin, Hartley Vale, Dargan and Clarence.
Current Situation
There is still active fire in the area. Residents in the Lithgow / Mt Victoria / Blue Mountains areas are urged to remain vigilant and be prepared to act. People across these fire affected areas that live in or near bushland should take the forecast conditions seriously, be on alert and complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan or review their current plan.
Areas that may come under threat are Mt Irvine, Mt Wilson, Mt Tomah, Mt Victoria, Berambing, Bilpin, Mountain Lagoon, Hartley Vale, Bell, Dargan and Clarence.
A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force for the Greater Sydney area until further notice.
Advice
People living in communities along the Great Western Highway can return to their homes. However, people in the area around Springwood and Faulconbridge should be aware there may be local road closures that may prevent you from returning home.
People in communities along the Bells Line of Road should be aware there is fire activity in the area and it is still not safe to return home. Continue to monitor this website for further updates.
If the fire spreads under the predicted weather conditions, your property may come under threat from burning embers, spot fires or the main fire front. Roads will become dangerous.
Consider going to a friend or family member’s home away from areas which may be impacted by fire.
Be aware that if you stay with your property, your life may be at risk. You may be isolated and emergency services may not be able to reach you.
Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Communities - Residents are advised to remain in place. There is fire burning along access roads and it is not safe to leave. There is a high likelihood you will be isolated for a number of days.
Kurrajong, Bowen Mountain and Yarramundi Communities - Although the fire is not in the immediate area, use today to prepare your home and continue to monitor the situation.
Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.
Evacuation Centres and Information and Assistance Centres
Seek accommodation with family and friends away from high risk areas as this will be the most comfortable option.
If you have made other arrangements, there is no need to attend or register at an Evacuation Centre or Information and Assistance Centre.
If you cannot make alternative arrangements, the following centres are open:
Evacuation Centres
Information and Assistance Centres
- North Richmond Community Hall – 33 William Street, North Richmond
- Springwood Sports Centre – 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood
- Lithgow Workers Club – 3 Tank Street, Lithgow.
Road Closures
- Penrith Panthers, Evan Theatre – 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith - closing 8pm tonight and will not reopen.
Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures. Please be aware that road closures may occur without notice. These closures will continue to be assessed across the day. Roads may be closed for an undetermined length of time. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas.
Bells Line of Road, Hartley Vale Rd, Fields Rd (Browns Gap) and Darling Causeway remain closed due to smoke, backburning operations and possible fire impacts.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Public Transport Closures
For the latest public transport information visit www.131500.com.au or call 131 500.
School Closures
Some schools will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday 24 October). Details available here.
Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis
Other Information
- House (Habitable Dwelling) – 1 damaged, 3 destroyed
- Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 1 damaged, 7 destroyed
The next update on this fire will be issued by 9:00pm Wednesday 23 October or if the situation changes.
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
- If you are concerned about the welfare of family and friends, please contact the Police Information Centre on 1800 227 228.
- Information about disaster welfare assistance, advice for pets and animals and donations is available here.