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Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

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Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by I_Love_Storms »

NSW faces an extremely bad fire risk day tomorrow. Thought I'd start a thread now to monitor events leading up to and throughout the main danger period.

This from Weatherzone:

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/nsw- ... -day/23153" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

NSW faces 'worst ever' fire danger day
Monday January 7, 2013 - 15:22 EDT
A total state-wide fire ban will be imposed in New South Wales from midnight as authorities prepare for temperatures to soar above 40 degrees.

The fire danger in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and southern ranges is expected to be catastrophic, with many other areas expecting extreme danger levels.

Premier Barry O'Farrell says record rains have produced large fuel loads which increase the risk of fire, combined with record temperatures and high winds.

"Tomorrow is not going to be just another ordinary day," he said.

"Tomorrow will be perhaps the worst fire danger day this state has ever faced."

More than 90 fires are burning across the state; around 20 of those are not being controlled.

Thousands of firefighters and about 70 aircraft have been placed on standby.

Mr O'Farrell has warned Sydneysiders they will not be spared from the heat.

"If Sydney reaches 43 tomorrow, it will only be the third time in the history of record keeping that the temperature in Sydney has been that high," he said.

The Premier says people must have their bushfire survival plans in place, as complacency could cost lives.

Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says people should be alert to any danger.

"They need to monitor their local conditions," he said.

"They need to listen to radio, they need to watch TV, they need to refer to the website, they need to access social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter, do not rely on one source for all your information."



The Commissioner says people camping and holidaying on the state's south coast, especially around Nowra, should re-think their plans tonight before the catastrophic conditions take hold.

"They are the sorts of decisions that should be made, to cut that trip early this evening or, at the latest, pack up and be out on the road first thing tomorrow morning," he said.

The NSW Ambulance Service is warning people to take care during tomorrow's predicted heatwave.

Acting Chief Superintendent Ian Johns says the heat will be particularly bad for the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

He says everyone should plan to drink plenty of water.

"The paramedics tomorrow will be ensuring that their vehicles have plenty of intravenous fluid, also plenty of bottled water too," he said.

"But whilst we can come to you once you're ill, the plan and the message is prepare yourself so you don't require our services.

"Drink water and plan your day's activities."

Health Department spokesman Dr Richard Broome says it is important to postpone any unnecessary activities.

"Hot weather and heat puts a great deal of strain on the body," he said.

"In order to keep cool we have to pump blood to the skin, and people who are old or have chronic diseases, their heart might not work quite so well and the strain can precipitate illness like heart attacks."
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

Doesn't look good for tomorrow. Thankfully it won't be as hot as the last few days in the SW, although still up there with low 40s. The stronger winds will be like a match to gasoline.

We already have a grass fire 14km to the north east of Wagga, only recently was it put as 'Emergency Warning' status when it was threatening to move to the small township of Oura, but the burning has slowed and it is now reduced to 'Watch and Act'. An air crane has been brought in to assist putting out the fire which has now burnt 790 ha and has a 14km front.

There are reports of a fire truck being burnt when it overheated and the fire overtook it.

Hopefully it will be put out before tomorrow!
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

Major Fire Update

Watch and Act - 'Valema' Oura Fire (Wagga Wagga) 07/01/13 18:13

http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info ... CAT_ID=684" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by Rivergirl »

Stay safe apocalypse. We saw that fire when we drove through to Sydney on Sunday
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by I_Love_Storms »

Interesting start in Sydney. Very high dew points and the radar looks like there is rain around?! Expecting the dry air to move in but not quite sure if it is raining or something is wrong with the radar?
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by I_Love_Storms »

Drier down south east:

9:05am: URGENT: The NSW RFS has issued an emergency alert for the Yarrabin fire in the Monaro area. The RFS says people need to leave the area. The fire is expected to impact in the next 20-60 minutes.
"The bush fire is burning in the Mount Forest Road Carlaminda area and is expected to impact on number of rural properties anytime before 9:30am this morning.
"People in the area of Mount Forest Road Carlaminda should seek shelter as the fire impacts. Protect yourself from the radiant heat.
"Leave only if the path is clear. If safe to do so, residents can relocate to the north along Mount Forest Road.
"If your life is at risk, call Triple-0 immediately."


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-08/l ... rt/4455940" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by I_Love_Storms »

1:00pm: Here's the situation in New South Wales right now:

Two separate, fast-moving fires are threatening properties in the state's south.
Predictions the state would experience the worst bushfire conditions ever are proving correct.
Wind gusts are hitting 70kph and the temperatures are in the high 30s.
In the Bega Valley, an out-of-control grassfire is threatening homes near Warrigal Range Rd at Brogo.
Near Cooma, a fast-moving fire is expected to hit the Kybean Valley within the next three hours.
Residents in the Numeralla and Carlaminda areas have been told it is too late to leave.
'Watch and act' alerts are in place for fires at Deniliquin, Bland, Harden and Wagga Wagga.
More than 100 fires are burning across the state.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-08/l ... rt/4455940" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by I_Love_Storms »

Sydney has just hit 42...a real worry there today...4 emergency warnings at the moment

http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

Catastrophic fire conditions here currently. There are three fires in the area with emergency warnings, one to the west of Henty which the RFS are making good progress controlling and another to the north of Narrandera. About 40 minutes ago there was a fire 800m from Tarcutta and impacting properties on the southern side of town, haven't heard anymore news from there. The RFS site has crashed.

The change should be here within the hour which will drop the temp a few degrees. It fell to 33c from 39c at Albury.
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

The Oura fire which was burning yesterday to the NE of Wagga now has an emergency warning, nothing on Major Fire Update page.
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

Prime 7 News reports houses at Tarcutta have been destroyed. A fire has started at the Wagga RAAF base in Forest Hill.
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by Australis(Shell3155) »

Not nice News this morning, raining here and cant believe what Im hearing about fires around the states..
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by Lily »

Thinking of you up there Apocalypse. Scary stuff happening to our neighbours :|
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by Rivergirl »

I'm in Sydney and was out in it yesterday, so hot. Very happy it rained in the hills. Saw how the fires developed near Nathan, they have been burning for 5 days now, keep safe
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

Safe and sound here, was a little worried because we are on the north western side of town and only a street up from dry, crisp paddocks. Was quite windy that day also, it gusted in the range of 60-70km/h for six hours until the westerly change hit. Noticed a few large gum tree branches that had been blown down while driving yesterday.

There was mostly good news in regards to the fires, all were contained before they could reach urban areas. There were some properties affected to the south of Tarcutta, fences and sheds burnt, and one house near Yass that was destroyed in the Cobbler Road fire. Without the RFS it would have been a different story. The volunteers need to be awarded medals, they do such a fantastic job out in the elements with the heat, strong winds and smoke!

The Cobbler Road fire is thankfully being controlled and is the largest in the state, having affected 14270 hectares so far. I read in the Yass Tribune that there are an estimated 10000 livestock lost.

Image
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

Latest Cobbler Road fire update:

Major Fire Updates
Advice - Cobbler Road Fire (Yass) 11/01/13 10:59
Posted: 11/01/2013


A bush fire is being controlled 11 kilometres west of Yass.

More Information

The fire is burning in rugged country travelling in an easterly direction approximately 11 kilometres west of Yass.

Fire crews have made good progress following easing conditions overnight. The fire is currently near the eastern end of Burrinjuck Dam.

There is no immediate threats to property, but possible threats may occur to isolated rural properties should winds cause spotting to the eastern end of the fire.

Residents are still urged to remain vigilant and ensure properties are well prepared as flare ups could occur along Black Range Road and Childowla Road.

Fire is visible from the Hume Highway, smoke will impact Yass, local roads and the Hume Highway.

Childowla and Black Range Roads are closed due to falling timber and smoke over the road.

A community meeting was held at the Yass Memorial Hall yesterday. Residents should continue to monitor the situation in case conditions deteriorate.

http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=684" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

The Deans Gap fire burning near the coast is still out of control. I am going camping at Lake Conjola for a week from the 17th, just to the south of where the fire has crossed the Princes Hwy and entered the Conjola State Forest. Fingers crossed it is out by then!

Advice - Deans Gap fire (Shoalhaven) 11/01/13 11:30
Posted: 11/01/2013


There is a bush fire burning to the west of Sussex Inlet in the Jerrawangala area. The fire is not yet contained.

Current Situation

More than 115 firefighters are working to contain the fire burning 12km west of Sussex Inlet (South of Nowra) – Approx 6km from the town. The fire has burnt over 8,400 hectares.

Crews successfully undertook backburning operations overnight.

The Princes Highway will remain open today, however this is subject to fire conditions. Please check Live Traffic or call the RTA on 132 701 for the latest information on roads.

Sussex Inlet Road is open to all traffic. Motorists are asked to be mindful of firefighters in the area and drive to the local conditions. The following local roads remain closed: Braidwood Road, Turpentine Road, Wandean Road and Twelve Mile Peg (in the National Park).

Higher temperatures and stronger winds are predicted for today and Saturday. The coastal villages of Sussex Inlet, Wandandian and further south may be impacted by fire in the next few days.
Nathan Morris
2013 Rainfall
Jan - 3.8mm
Feb - 27.0mm
Mar - 0.0mm
YTD - 30.8mm
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by apocalypse »

Interesting perspective of the RFS fighting the Oura fire on Monday - using a GoPro.

" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Feb - 27.0mm
Mar - 0.0mm
YTD - 30.8mm
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by Australis(Shell3155) »

sure is... thanks for the share..
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Re: Catastrophic Fire Danger - 8 January 2013

Post by stratospear »

Seriously nasty fire in the Warrumbungles atm. Siding Spring Observatory under threat as well:

Live camera: http://150.203.153.131/~hatuser/wth/cam_d.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rural Fire Service photo: http://ow.ly/i/1mEIb/original" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ABC News: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-13/h ... sw/4462930" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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