THE bushfire burning through Wollemi National Park has grown by 5000 hectares in one day due to strong and gusty winds.
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Known as the Gospers Mountain fire, on Thursday morning it was 10,728 hectares, but by Friday morning had grown to 15,754.
The blaze ignited during a dry lightning storm on October 26 and it is currently listed as 'being controlled' by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
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"Strong winds have caused a section of the fire to spread eastward towards Wollemi Creek and it is currently 10 kilometres west of the community of Mellong," NSW RFS Chifley/Lithgow Team operational officer Gary Hansen said.
On Thursday morning the fire was located 15 kilometres from Mellong.
Mr Hansen said windy conditions on Thursday prevented aircraft and firefighters from attacking the area of the fire closest to Mellong.
"Strong winds are forecast for this area tomorrow [Friday] which may also hinder fire fighting efforts to slow or stop the fire spread to the east," he said.
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"The fire continues to burn in very high fire danger conditions and embers may be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires.
"Residents and visitors to the areas along Putty Road, including Mellong and Colo Heights will experience smoke in the area due to predicted winds from the west."
Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.
Check out the Fires Near Me website or app.
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