#NSW #Fire #Corp Update: Emergency Warning - State Mine Fire (Lithgow, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains) 20/10/13 14:37 Posted: 20/10/2013 A bush fire is burning near the township of Bell. The fire also continues to burn around the areas of Dargan, Clarence and Bilpin. Current Situation An Emergency Alert telephone warning message is being sent 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. 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 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 bushfire affected areas. For the latest traffic information, visit livetraffic or call 132 701. Public Transport Closures For the latest public transport information visit 131500.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 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. The next update on this fire will be issued by 3:00pm or if the situation changes. Source: rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_more_info.cfm?CON_ID=21488&CAT_ID=684
Posted on: Sun, 20 Oct 2013 03:40:20 +0000