ARC assisting RFS in Tingha Plateau zone

Armidale Regional Council is assisting in the ongoing management of the Tingha Plateau Fire under supervision from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Council staff are on the ground clearing roads, assessing trees and working alongside Inverell Shire Council staff as well as emergency services teams in water cartage and grading in the management of the fire front.

Overnight conditions have seen the fire spread in a northerly direction towards Gilgai, Ponds Creek, Old Mill and Stannifer. Latest RFS updates today are reporting a reduced threat to properties with a Watch & Act status.  Firefighters continue to work with landholders across the fire ground in an effort to contain the fire. Roads in and out of Tingha remain closed.

Armidale Regional Council CEO Susan Law said the last couple of days have been particularly distressing for the communities affected.

“Council staff are doing all they can to assist the RFS and emergency services on the ground to manage the ongoing situation in Tingha,” said Susan Law.

“The fire has had a devastating affect on the community and our thoughts are with residents who have lost property or have been evacuated. It is a difficult time and Council will do everything in its power to assist the community, especially in recovery and next steps.”

The Tingha Chinese Lantern Festival which is scheduled to run this Saturday, at this stage will only go ahead if the NSW Rural Fire Service deems the area around Tingha safe and the roads open.

Published on 14 Feb 2019