Update 8pm
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A WATER-BOMBING helicopter has been called in to douse flames that had blocked the escape of a crew of firefighters battling a bushfire along the Freemantle Road.
A report from the NSW RFS Canobolas Zone post to Facebook around 8pm provided the update
“We wish to advise that the North West Brigade was in a position where the fire was moving towards them, one of the helicopters fighting the fire dropped a load of water which settled the fire down allowing the brigade to exit,” the post read
“There have been no injuries to brigade members. No other brigades have been involved.”
The Facebook post state that the fire was north-east of Orange (north-west of Bathurst) and smoke was visible.
The fire is now 268 hectares and is still listed as ‘being controlled’ by the NSW RFS.
The blaze is “moving well with the westerly influence”, the Canobolas post said.
“At this time, having just arrived from Richmond, the VLat DC10 Air Tanker is using gel to assist in cooling the fire down,” it said.
“Also on scene are three dozers and three graders which are creating a nine kilometre perimeter around the fire to allow fire fighters to undertake back-burning operations tonight.
Units from North West, Clifton Grove Ophir, The Pond, Orange, Spring Hill, Lucknow, March, Mullion Creek and Chifley Zone are currently fighting the fire.
“A strike team is also on way from Chifley Zone to assist along with change over crews from Canobolas Zone so that the firefighters on scene can head home for a much needed rest,” the Canobolas post stated.
- Stay up-to-date with the NSW RFS Fire Near Me page
Earlier 5pm
FIREFIGHTERS are fighting to protect property at a bushfire currently burning north-west of Bathurst.
The 56 hectare blaze is burning off Freemantle Road at Gowan, near Belerada Creek, in the Cabonne local government area.
A recent post to social media by Freemantle Rural Fire Service Brigade updated the community on the fire.
“Unfortunately the fire jumped containment lines and is moving quite fast,” the post stated.
“At the moment we are stationed on property protection.”
The NSW Rural Fire Service states the bushfire is currently ‘being controlled’ and it remains at ‘advice’ level with residents urged to remain vigilant.
Crews from Eglinton Rural Fire Brigade, along with crews from brigades in the Canobolas Zone, are also on scene at the fire.
Meanwhile, a total fire ban has been declared for the region on Sunday due to predicted hot, windy weather.