Blue Mountains community urged to prepare properties
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The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has urged the Blue Mountains community to prepare their properties, given bush fires are north and south of the City.
In the RFS Community Newsletter released today (Saturday, 7 December), the Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre Incident Management Team on behalf of the NSW RFS stated: “Whilst there is no immediate threat, now is the time for all Blue Mountains residents to ensure their properties are prepared.”
Blue Mountains City Council is offering extra free chipping services so residents can get ready. Residents need to book by Wednesday, 11 December at bmccbookaservice.com.au. Council will chip material, making it easier for it to be removed via the fortnightly green bin collection for garden vegetation, up until Christmas.
For residents who would like to take advantage of this extra kerbside chipping service, older material will also chipped. Normally, there is a requirement that material be less than four weeks old.
Mayor Mark Greenhill said residents should take advantage of this free service now, in order to prepare their properties.
“Our community prepares for bush fire season every year and so understands how important it is to prepare, and to remain vigilant.”
“It’s also incredibly important that Blue Mountains residents have their Bush Fire Survival Plan ready now, for their own safety and the safety of their families. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.”
The RFS Community Newsletter states that proactive fire mitigation works are being implemented across significant areas of the
Blue Mountains by the RFS, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Blue Mountains City Council and contractors.
Works include fire trail and asset protection zone inspection and maintenance, to lessen the potential impacts of fire.
All Council bushland reserves south of the Great Western Highway, between Katoomba and Wentworth Falls, remain closed to the public due to bush fire in the area. Echo Point is open, but this may change if the situation changes. Get more information
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) also has extensive closures in this area. Go to the National Parks website or call the NPWS Heritage Centre on 4787 8877 for more information.