MOTORISTS travelling south of Bathurst towards Goulburn or Canberra are asked to take care around Taralga where a 90 hectare bushfire currently burning out-of-control.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Emergency services are on scene at the blaze which is burning in the vicinity of Long Gully Road at Bannaby.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website reports that the fire is burning approximately 10 kilometres to the North East of Taralga and north of Bannaby Road.
“It is burning through bushland in a Westerly direction towards Taralga Road,” the website states.
“Isolated rural properties in the area of Alders and Crees Road and Bennaby Road may soon come under threat.
“Firefighters supported by aircraft are working to slow the spread of the fire.”
Current advice from the RFS for anyone in the area of Bannaby Road and Taralga Road is to ensure that you and your property are prepared in the event the fire reaches you.
“Keep yourself informed and monitor conditions,” the website states.
Meanwhile, Bathurst and the Chifley/Lithgow RFS zone, which includes Oberon and Lithgow, has a severe fire danger rating for Saturday and a total fire ban.
The hot, dry and windy conditions means the total fire ban will remain in place until midnight on Saturday, RFS Superintendent Greg Sim said.
“Latest forecasts indicate high temperatures, low humidity and wind conditions, with a severe fire danger rating in place across the Bathurst, Oberon and Lithgow areas,” he said.
“Under severe conditions, fires will be uncontrollable and fast moving, and could threaten properties with little warning.
“If a fire breaks out in the forecast conditions, you should only stay with your home if it’s well-prepared and you are able to actively defend it.
“That’s why it’s so important that people are prepared, by having a Bush Fire Survival Plan so they know what to do if a fire affects their community.”
What does a total fire ban mean?
The lighting of any fires out in the open, including wood or solid fuel barbecues, is not permitted.
A gas or electric barbeque is allowed, but only if:
- It is on a residential property within 20 metres of the house or dwelling
- It is in a picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest
- It is under the direct control of a responsible adult
- The ground around the barbecue is cleared for 2 metres of all material which could burn
- You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.
Superintendent Sim has encouraged property holders to ensure they take precautions during the current conditions.
“Many fires start as a result of human activities, including working with machinery, and the risk of more fires is high in these extremely dry conditions.” he said.
Further information on total fire bans, including areas covered by a total fire Ban, can be found on the NSW NSW RFS website.
Current fire incidents can also be found via the Fires Near Me app.