INMATES and staff have been evacuated from Oberon Correctional Centre overnight after an out-of-control bushfire threatened their safety.
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The 112,000 hectare blaze, known as the Green Wattle Creek fire, is burning just 3.5 kilometres from the jail, NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) data shows.
"Staff and around 120 minimum-security inmates have been evacuated from Oberon Correctional Centre this evening [Tuesday], due to bushfire risk in the area," a Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said.
"All evacuees are safe.
"The inmates will be housed at Lithgow and Bathurst correctional centres until further notice."
Conditions around the fireground deteriorated for firefighters on Tuesday with hot, dry windy weather followed by a southerly change.
On Wednesday morning the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) said firefighters would continue working to protect property and establish containment lines in the area supported by heavy plant machinery.
"Crews will take advantage of easing conditions and conduct back-burning operations to strengthen containment lines over the coming days," the RFS said.
The Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said staff would continue to monitor the bushfire situation around Oberon jail.
Meanwhile there is a total fire ban in the Central Ranges on Wednesday, December 11 which includes the following council areas: Blayney, Bathurst, Cabonne, Cowra, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Oberon and Orange.
To stay up-to-date with fires in your area visit Fires Near Me.
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