Information on Gospers Mountain Bush Fire Issued on Tuesday 19 November 2019 at 1100am

Situation

The Gospers Mountain fire is currently 138,800 hectares in size and continues to burn uncontained in the Wollemi, Yengo National Parks and the Parr State Recreation Area. The fire is burning to the North of Colo Heights, South of Putty, East of Glen Davis and West of St Albans in the Lithgow, Hawkesbury and Singleton Local Government Areas.

Firefighters continue to protect properties where possible with the assistance of water bombing aircraft and heavy plant. Over the past few days and nights fire fighters have undertaken extensive back burning operations in the areas of Webbs Creek towards Colo Heights, around St Albans and areas around Putty. These operations are to reduce possible impacts upon these communities. Further back burning will be implemented to protect communities as conditions allow. The forecasted weather today will see an increase in fire activity from late morning and well into the evening. The weather conditions late Tuesday night and throughout Wednesday should be more favorable for fire fighting operations

Residents in the vicinity of Gorricks, Glen Davis, Glen Alice, Newnes, Putty Valley, Colo Heights, Upper Colo, Webbs Creek and St Albans (through to Higher MacDonald) should implement their bush fire survival plan and expect to experience increasing fire activity and smoke in these areas today. Property owners are requested to remain vigilant to changing conditions especially from late morning through to the late evening.

Containment strategies have been implemented along the top of the escarpment above Glen Davis. The Very Large Aerial Tanker (VLAT) is dropping retardant in an attempt to contain the fire on top of the escarpment. Fire fighters are on standby if the fire drops over the escarpment.

Other retardant line drops have been pre-identified around other areas but in particular in the vicinity of Higher MacDonald and St Albans today. Extra fire fighters and trucks are on the fire ground today and throughout the effected area.

Smoke from this fire is impacting a very broad area and will likely increase further throughout the day due to localised influences.

Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see fire without a fire truck in attendance or you are directly threatened by fire.

If you live either side of Peats Ridge Road, George Downes Drive, and Wisemans Ferry Road in the Central Coast Local Government Area (LGA) including suburbs and areas around Gunderman, Spencer, Mangrove Creek, Upper Mangrove, Kulnura, Calga/Mount White, Peats Ridge, Glenworth Valley and Wendoree Park. In the Cessnock LGA including suburbs and areas around Boree, Wallabadah, Laguna Bucketty and Murrays Run – You should implement your bush fire survival plan and prepare your property for the possible impact of this fire as fire danger conditions are set to worsen. If you are not prepared and the fire threatens you, a fire truck may not be able to assist you.

Advice

If you live in the areas of Colo Heights, Higher MacDonald, Webbs Creek and Yengo Drive (Putty) implement your bush fire survival plan and continue to monitor conditions. Know what you will do if the fire impacts.

If you are in the areas of Glen Davis and Putty Valley implement your bush fire survival plan and continue to monitor conditions. Know what to do if the fire impacts.

St Albans Road will be closed from the Webbs Creek Ferry to St Albans. Locals can access St Albans via Settlers Road.  The Putty Road remains closed from Colo Heights to Milbrodale due to ongoing operations in the area.

Deliveries or vital/emergency supplies to properties or businesses in this area may be possible by pre arrangement through the Hawkesbury Fire Control Centre on 4560 6400 with final approval provided by Police at the road closure points.

Bicentenary and Wheelbarrow Ridge Roads also remain closed due to ongoing operations in the area.

If you are in the proximity of the fire and you are not prepared – leaving early is the safest option. Seek advice as to the safest route to take. 

If you are threatened by fire, seek a safe location. This includes built up areas, well away from bushland.

People with respiratory conditions who are affected by bush fire smoke should implement their health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.

Information

Stay up to date with the situation at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling the NSW RFS BUSH FIRE INFORMATION LINE on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737) or via the Fires Near Me app.

Animal owners can contact the Local Land Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 if you need emergency assistance or the location of the large animal welfare centres.

For information on road conditions or closures, call the RMS on 132 213 or check www.livetraffic.com Remember roads may be closed without warning.

For information on closures of National Parks associated with this fire, please visit www.npws.nsw.gov.au

Community Meetings

To keep affected communities informed of the fire situation and emergency arrangements fire fighters and incident management team members will present along with NSW Police at the following locations:

Glen Davis Community Hall – Wednesday 20 November – 11:00am

Putty Hall – Wednesday 20 November – 4:00pm

Mangrove Mountain Memorial Hall – Wednesday 20 November – 7:00pm

Colo Heights Rural Fire Brigade Station – Wednesday 20 November – 8:00pm

Stay up to date at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737)