MULTIPLE fires continue to burn through parts of the Hunter Valley despite firefighting efforts to contain blazes.
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NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) crews across the Hunter have worked on several fires burning in remote, hard-to-access terrain.
As of New Year's Day, the Boys Arm Fire burning to the west of Putty Road near Boys Arm and Long Creek had blitzed through 446 hectares.
Firefighters secured the northern, southern and eastern containment lines. However, the blaze was moving southerly.
On New Year's Eve, containment lines were strengthened across the fires, supported by aircraft and heavy plant. Crews from the Lower Hunter, Hunter Valley and Central Coast assisted on the fire ground.
NSW RFS public information officer Kirsty Channon said firefighters were still on the ground on New Year's Day, January 1, supported by aircraft and heavy plant.
"Most of the fires, we are still working to strengthen those containment lines," she said.
Backburning operations were due to take place from Wednesday, January 1 to the weekend, weather permitting.
"Backburning is being conducted on the Coolawine Fire Trail, which is seeing a little bit more smoke put up, as well as the Boys Arm Fire," Ms Channon said.
"Firefighters have put in some really good work over the last couple of days with the more settled conditions, and we'll be continuing to work on those containment lines ahead of a potential warming up over the weekend," she said.
'No current threat'
Ms Channon said there is no current threat to properties, and nearby residents are aware of what's happening. Smoke may also be visible from nearby communities.
"We've been talking to landowners; they're quite well engaged, which is good. We've got a lot of aircraft in the air, which is keeping people aware of what's going on as well," she said.
She encouraged people within an area of a fire to take directions from crews on the ground.
Hunter Valley fires
The Martindale Road fire has scorched 614 hectares as of New Year's Day and burnt in the Gungalwa Range, southwest of Martindale Road.
"Aircraft worked to slow the fire's spread and prevent it extending into a steeper, more difficult terrain," a Hunter Valley RFS spokesperson said.
A fire burning to the east of Wollombi Road on the Coolawine Trail had burnt 86 hectares, while the Giants Creek Road Fire burnt 34 hectares and was burning in steep terrain east of Giants Creek Road at Gungal.
The Baerami Range Fire has burnt through 188 hectares in rugged terrain northwest of Putty Road, with remote area firefighters and aircraft working to slow its progression. Containment strategies are being developed.
The Yango Trek, Reedy Creek, Commission Road and Emu Creek fires are contained, however residents should continue to stay up to date with the Hazards Near Me app in case the situation changes.
Community support
The Bulga Tavern closed its doors to the general public, dedicating its service to supporting fire fighting operations in the local area with catering
A bush fire information point was established at Broke Rural Fire Station on Wednesday, January 1. It was open from 10am-12pm to provide community members with information on the Coolawine Fire.
Stay alert
The RFS has given the following advice on staying safe throughout the fire season.
- Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
- Watch out for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
- Watch for signs of fire in your area.
- Know what you will do if the fire impacts on where you area.
- Identify a safer location in the case the situation changes. This may include a well-cleared area of a solid structure such as a home.
- If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving early is the safest option.
- Stay up to date with the Hazards Near Me app.
