news, local-news

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 5.30pm For up-to-date information overnight go the the following websites: Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701. For the latest public transport information visit 131500.com.au or call 131 500. If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. If you are concerned about the welfare of family and friends, please contact the Police Information Centre on 1800 227 228. Disaster Welfare Assistance Line (1800 018 444) provides information about disaster relief grants for content and structural repairs, available to low income earners with no insurance. Disaster Recovery Assistance Hotline (180 22 66) provides information about the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), available to people adversely affected by natural disasters. For more information go to www.disasterassist.gov.au. ---------------------------- 5.25pm The Hawkesbury Gazette has provided the following community information: - Evacuation centre: North Richmond Community Centre. - Free horse transport: Heavy Horse Heaven has 100 volunteers on the ground, transporting horses out of fire affected. To have your horse/s transported or if in need of donations, phone Misty Stebbing on 0456 109 206. - Pet food donations: Donations of horse feed and pet food - cats, dogs, birds etc, as well as horse gear and first aid products can be donated at 2/70 Bells Line Of Rd, North Richmond. - Horse stables: stables are available at the Clarendon Showground. - Salvation Army donations: The Salvation Army are asking the public to donate cash, not goods, to its Bushfire Appeal. To donate call 13 72 58 or visit salvos.org.au or go into any Westpac branch or Woolworths store. --------------------------------------------------------------- 5pm Police are currently evacuating residents in Grose Road between Chapman Parade and Jennings Road at Faulconbridge. Chapman Parade, Faulconbridge residents have also been given notice of possible evacuation. Police are requesting motorists stay away of the area. -------------------------------------------------------- 3.36pm There are four NSW Rural Fire Service public meetings scheduled for today in the Blue Mountains area: * Valley Heights RFS at 4pm; * Yarramundi Rural Fire Brigade, cnr Springwood and Mountain Ave. 6.30pm; * Blackheath Blue Mountains Christian School, 60 Thirroul Ave at 7:30pm; and * Medlow Bath Fire Station also at 7:30pm. The location of the Blackheath meeting has been changed from the original announcement earlier today. The Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill has announced the creation of the Blue Mountains City Council Mayoral Relief Fund. The Mayor said, “The BMCC Mayoral Relief Fund aims to provide funding toward projects that contribute to the recovery and rebuilding efforts of fire affected residents in the Blue Mountains following the current bushfire. It enables the Australian community to assist our local community in their time of need.’’ The details of the fund are: National Australia Bank Trust Fund Account BSB : 082 656 Account Number: 46 179 2573 Donations can be made by: Telephone: 02 4780 5000 Council Offices: 2 Civic Place, Katoomba NSW 2780 or 104 Macquarie Road, Springwood 2777 ----------------------------------- 3.15pm The State Mine fire, which started near Lithgow and is now burning near the Blue Mountains township of Bell, is just five kilometres from the Mount Victoria fire. The RFS warns Mount Victoria fire could today threaten the townships of * Mount Victoria * Kanimbla Valley * Megalong Valley * Lawson Long Alley * Mount Boyce * Blackheath ----------------------------------------- 3pm The Rural Fire Service has upgraded to an emergency warning the Hall Road fire in the Southern Highlands and Wollondilly. For updated information on the fire go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. Here is the warning from the RFS website: An emergency warning is in place for a fire burning in bushland in the southern highlands near the villages of Yerrinbool, Balmoral, Yanderra, Pheasants Nest, Wilton, Bargo, Buxton, Hill Top, Alpine / Aylmerton and Couridjah in the Southern Highlands. Burning embers are being blown towards Wilton. Current Situation Burning embers are being blown towards Wilton village and surrounding areas. Picton Road is being closed due to fire activity. A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force for the Illawarra / Shoalhaven area until further notice. Advice People in the area of Wilton should be alert to burning embers. Put out any spot fires which may start on your property. Take shelter if the fire impacts on your property. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Community Meeting A community meeting will be held at 7pm tonight in the Hall at Buxton Public School - Hassal Road, Buxton. Residents of Balmoral, Buxton, Couridjah and Bargo are encouraged to attend. Advice (Illawarra residents) While there is no threat to properties in the Illawarra at this time, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and monitor the situation throughout the day. Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and prepare yourself for the potential of a bush fire in your area. School Closures Yanderra Public School - closed until further notice Hill Top Public School - closed Monday 21 October 2013 only Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis House (Habitable Dwelling) – 2 damaged, 2 destroyed Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 0 damaged, 10 destroyed Road Closures Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures. Road closures may occur without notice. Closures will continue to be assessed across the day, however, there is no forecast as to when roads will reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid all bushfire affected areas. For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701. Public Transport Closures For the latest public transport information visit 131500.com.au or call 131 500. ------------------------------------------------ 3pm Police have now charged a young boy over two bushfires in Port Stephens last week. On Sunday October 13, emergency services responded to reports of a grass fire in Elizabeth Street at Raymond Terrace. Later that day another fire began at Heatherbrae that destroyed a number of sheds and burnt more than 5000 hectares of bushland in the Heatherbrae, Williamtown, Campvale, Tomago and Medowie areas. Initial inquiries by detectives from Port Stephens Local Area Command – assisted by officers from State Crime Command’s Strike Force Toronto – deemed both fires to be deliberately lit. Following inquiries and information received, detectives arrested an 11-year-old boy at a home in Raymond Terrace just after 8.30am today . The boy was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he has since been charged with two counts of intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread. He’s been bail refused to appear in a children’s court today. I ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.45pm The NSW Police Commissioner has issued a strong warning to those who think they can engage in the “low act” of looting. Commissioner Scipione said that while police have received only a couple of reports of suspected looting, active patrols are being undertaken and will be maintained. “It’s beyond comprehension that with thousands of homes and lives being at risk, people think it’s clever or fun to benefit from the community’s heartache,” Commissioner Scipione said. “Looting is a low act. It’s as simple as that and we will not allow criminals to get away with it. “People who think they can take advantage of the community’s misery, can think again. We will show no mercy. “I want to re-assure the community that police are out in force, including officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad conducting regular patrols of affected areas. “And we will do so for as long as necessary. “Let me be very clear. The consequences of being charged with an offence such as looting – break, enter and steal ­– are serious and carry the maximum sentence of 14 years. “I want members of the community to be vigilant. If you see a crime being committed contact Triple Zero ‘000’ immediately. “If people are concerned or believe they have witnessed suspicious activity then I would urge them to contact police,” Commissioner Scipione said. For all updated bushfire information members go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.45pm The Rural Fire Service has issued an emergency warning for the State Mine Fire. Here is the warning: A bush fire is burning near the township of Bell. The fire also continues to burn around the areas of Mt Irvine, McKellars Park, Bilpin, Hartley Vale, Dargan and Clarence. Current Situation An Emergency Alert telephone warning message was sent yesterday to the community of Bell. The community of Bell are advised to leave now if not prepared and travel west along the Bells Line of Road towards Lithgow. The Evacuation Centre at Lithgow Workers Club is open. A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force for the Greater Sydney area until further notice. Advice for residents along the Bells Line of Road West of Bilpin Village - Residents west of the Bilpin Village between Bowens Creek Rd and Mt Wilson Rd including the communities of Mt Tomah and Berambing are advised to relocate immediately. You should travel east along the Bells Line of Road towards Richmond. Bilpin Village - Residents between Mountain Lagoon Rd and Bowens Creek Rd can choose to remain however, it is expected to become isolated and you may not be able to leave for a number of days. Should you choose to stay, ensure you and your property are properly prepared. Be aware that electricity supply to the area may be cut off for several days. East of Bilpin Village - Residents in the area of Bells Line of Road between Mountain Lagoon Road and Pittman Road should relocate now if you and your property are not prepared for the onset of fire. Travel east towards Richmond. Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Communities - Residents are advised to remain in place. There is fire burning along access roads and it is not safe to leave. There is a high likelihood you will be isolated for a number of days. Kurrajong, Bowen Mountain and Yarramundi - Although the fire is not in the immediate area, use today to prepare your home and continue to monitor the situation. Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you know what you will do if the fire threatens your property. Only well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire. If you are in doubt or it is not safe to leave, take shelter in a solid structure when the fire front arrives. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Community Meeting Yarramundi Rural Fire Brigade Station - Cnr Springwood Road and Mountain Avenue, Yarramundi at 6:30pm Evacuation Centres Seek accommodation with family and friends as this will be the most comfortable option. If required the Evacuation Centre at North Richmond can assist with accommodation. Bring any medication and clothing you may require, as you may not be able to return to the area for a number of days. North Richmond Community Hall - 33 William Street, North Richmond Lithgow Workers Club - 3 Tank Street, Lithgow Springwood Sports Centre - 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis House (Habitable Dwelling) – 1 damaged, 3 destroyed Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 1 damaged, 7 destroyed Road Closures Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures and roads may be closed without notice. Road closures continue to be assessed, however, there is no forecast as to when they will reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas. For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701. Public Transport Closures For the latest public transport information visit 131500.com.au or call 131 500. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12.50pm Residents in the Sydney region are being hit with air quality levels as much as 50 times worse than normal as pollution from the state's bushfires casts a pall of smoke over the city and beyond, Peter Hannam reports. Places in the city's south, such as Campbelltown, reported pollution readings on Monday of as high as 2500, compared with a typical reading of about 50 for Sydney, according to monitoring by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Randwick, in Sydney's east, and Chullora to the south were seeing readings of about 500, while Rozelle in the inner west was recently at 120, according to Matthew Riley, director of OEH's Climate and Atmospheric Science.Above 100 is considered poor air quality. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12.30pm Here are the main points to come from the NSW Rural Fire Service's latest briefing with Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons: * Today is the warmest day of the week, reaching high 30s in western Sydney * Winds will strengthen ahead of Wednesday * There is still a threat to communities across the Blue Mountains and people need to keep up to date Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has spoken about the "low act" of looting, saying there has been only a small number of reports of looting. Police, including undercover officers, are patrolling these areas. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 12:20pm: With Sydney under a blanket of smoke, doctors say people should stay in doors and avoid exercising outside when possible. NSW Health says many areas in the state are experiencing poor to very poor air quality, even hundreds of kilometres away from the fires. The Australian Medical Association’s NSW president, Brian Owler, says heavy exercise should be avoided. ‘‘The last thing you want to do is to go out for a jog when you’re breathing in such heavy pollution,’’ he told AAP. Asthmatics should also ensure they have their puffers with them at all times, he added. Professor Wayne Smith from NSW Health urged asthma sufferers to follow their asthma action plan. ‘‘Fine particles can irritate the lungs of healthy adults, so it is best to avoid any prolonged outdoor exercise,’’ he said in a statement. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 11.40am An emergency warning for the State Mine Fire in Lithgow, Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains has been issued. A message from NSW Rural Fire service A bush fire is burning near the township of Bell. The fire also continues to burn around the areas of Mt Irvine, McKellars Park, Bilpin, Hartley Vale, Dargan and Clarence. Current Situation An Emergency Alert telephone warning message was sent yesterday to the community of Bell. The community of Bell are advised to leave now if not prepared and travel west along the Bells Line of Road towards Lithgow. The Lithgow Workers Club is open as an Evacuation Centre. A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force for the Greater Sydney area until further notice. Advice for residents along the Bells Line of Road West of Bilpin Village Residents west of the Bilpin Village between Bowens Creek Rd and Mt Wilson Rd including the communities of Mt Tomah and Berambing are advised to relocate immediately. You should travel east along the Bells Line of Road towards Richmond. Bilpin Village Residents within the Bilpin Village between Mountain Lagoon Rd and Bowens Creek Rd can choose to remain however, it is expected the village will become isolated. You may not be able to leave for a number of days. Should you choose to stay you need to ensure you and your property are properly prepared. Be aware that electricity supply to the area may be cut off for several days. East of Bilpin Village Residents in the area of Bells Line of Road between Mountain Lagoon Road and Pittman Road are advised that if you and your property are not prepared for the onset of fire you should relocate now. Travel east towards Richmond. Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Communities Residents in Mt Irvine and Mt Wilson are advised to remain in place. There is fire burning along access roads and it is not safe to leave. There is a high likelihood you will be isolated for a number of days. Evacuation Centre People are advised to seek accommodation with family and friends as this will be the most comfortable option. Bring any medication and clothing that you may require, as you may not be able to return to the area for a number of days. People requiring assistance with accommodation are to attend the Evacuation Centre at the North Richmond Community Hall where arrangements will be made. North Richmond Community Hall, 33 William Street, North Richmond. Advice for residents in the area of Kurrajong, Bowen Mountain and Yarramundi Although the fire is not in the immediate area, use today to prepare your home and continue to monitor the situation.Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you know what you will do if the fire threatens your property. Only well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire. If you are in doubt or it is not safe to leave, take shelter in a solid structure when the fire front arrives. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Evacuation Centres - Open North Richmond Community Hall, 33 William Street, North Richmond. Lithgow Workers Club - 3 Tank Street, Lithgow Springwood Sports Centre - 83 Macquarie Road, Springwood Damage Assessment – Building Impact Analysis House (Habitable Dwelling) – 1 damaged, 3 destroyed Outbuilding (Shed, Business etc) – 1 damaged, 7 destroyed Road Closures Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures and roads may be closed without notice. Road closures continue to be assessed, however, there is no forecast as to when they will reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas. For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701. Public Transport Closures For the latest public transport information visit 131500.com.au or call 131 500.Other Information If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737. If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property. If you are concerned about the welfare of family and friends, please contact the Police Information Centre on 1800 227 228. Disaster Welfare Assistance Line (1800 018 444) provides information about disaster relief grants for content and structural repairs, available to low income earners with no insurance. Disaster Recovery Assistance Hotline (180 22 66) provides information about the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP), available to people adversely affected by natural disasters. For more information go to www.disasterassist.gov.au. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11.30am The following roads remain closed in the Blue Mountains area due to bush fires: Lithgow/Bilpin: Bells Line of Road is closed in both directions between the Bilpin township and Lithgow. Mt Victoria: Darling Causeway remains closed in both directions. The Great Western Highway remains open in both directions and can be used as an alternative route, however motorists - including heavy vehicles - are urged to avoid all non-essential travel in fire affected areas. Additionally, due to infrastructure damage trains will not run between Bathurst, Lithgow and Mt Victoria only. These trains will be replaced by buses which will stop at these stations only. Motorists are urged to avoid all bush fire affected areas, and drive with extreme caution in areas that are experiencing heavy smoke and poor visibility. Picton Road has reopened in both directions at Wilton between Macarthur Drive and the M1 Princes Motorway (Mount Ousley Road) following its closure due to a bush fire. However there continues to be smoke in the area so motorists should continue to exercise caution. For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701. For the latest public transport information visit www.131500.com.au or call 131 500. Related: The federal government has tightened the eligibility requirements for bushfire victims to receive recovery funds in a move Labor has described as ''heartless'' and ''an absolute nonsense''. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10.15am Key points from this morning's NSW Rural Fire Service briefing: * Wednesday is shaping up as the worst fire weather forecast day. * There are no plans for mass evacuations in the Blue Mountains but if you don't need to be there, especially during the worst of the weather, don't. * Overnight, crews have been busy backburning. At the fire along the Bells Line Of Road, crews have been backburning for 20-30 kilometres. The next update from NSW Rural Fire Service will be at about 11am. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9.30am There are fears the three Blue Mountains fires could join up and create a superfire. ----------------------------------------------------------------- 9.05am Just a reminder that there is a TOTAL FIRE BAN until further notice. The total fire bans cover: • Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains and Central Coast areas) • Greater Hunter • Illawarra / Shoalhaven • Central Ranges A NSW Rural Fire Service spokesperson said the total fire bans are to assist with limiting the potential of new fires starting, while firefighters deal with the large scale of fire activity across these areas. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 9am Message from NSW Rural Fire Service 56 bush or grass fires this morning, with 12 uncontained. The fire near the Bells Line of Road remains at Emergency Warning, with hot, dry and windy conditions expected to return in coming days. Stay up to date on the fire situation at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au For all the latest bushfire information go to:http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ For information on road closures go to: http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au/desktop.html ------------------------------------------------------------------ 8.30am BELLS LINE OF ROAD EVACUATION FOR PETS The Department of Primary Industries advises that the following arrangements are in place for people relocating with their domestic pets and livestock from Bells Line of Road. Those without own arrangements or temporary care should go to: * Hawkesbury Showground, Racecourse Road, Clarendon; or * Lithgow Workers Club, Tank Street, Lithgow. IF BRINGING SMALL ANIMALS: * Try and bring a cage and food, if possible. MOST IMPORTANTLY BRING: * Medication for their animals, if required. For more information contact RFS on 1800 679 737 ----------------------------------------------------- 8am SCHOOL CLOSURES: - Bilpin Public School -Hill Top Public School -Yanderra Public School. ROAD CLOSURES: - Bells Lind of Road (between Great Western Hwy, Lithgow and Tadrosse Lane, Bilpin Fruit Bowl). - Surrounding roads may close without notice, check livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au before traveling. WEATHER FORECAST FOR TODAY: - Richmond currently sits at 14 degrees (7.50am) with it expected to reach 37 degrees this afternoon. - 10 to 20 km/hr W/NW winds turning NE 20 to 30 km/h in the late afternoon. CURRENT ACTIVE FIRES: - A bush fire is burning near Bell. The fire also continues to burn around the areas of Bilpin. (Emergency Warning) - The Linksview Road Fire, Springwood is currently out of control but has been downgraded to a Watch & Act. ADVICE: - West of Bilpin Village: Residents between Bowens Creek Rd and Mt Wilson Rd including the communities of Mt Tomah are advised to relocate immediately. - Bilpin Village: Residents between Mountain Lagoon Rd and Bowens Creek Rd can choose to remain however, it is expected the village will become isolated. - East of Bilpin Village: Residents between Mountain Lagoon Road and Pittman Road are advised that if they are not prepared for the onset of fire, then relocate now. CURRENT EVACUATION CENTRES: - North Richmond Community Hall, 33 William Street, North Richmond. ADVICE FOR RESIDENTS IN KURRAJONG, BOWEN MT AND YARRAMUNDI: - Although the fire is not in the immediate area, use today to prepare your home and continue to monitor the situation.

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-n2qVKUF6PHiwoXETcUIs-GJvKDc%3D/ccae51c8-931c-472f-b108-bf556ae60eac.JPG/w1200_h678_fcrop.jpg

Bushfire updates Monday, October 21