MORE than 150 firefighters from NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW) and ACT Rural Fire Service are working on several fires in the Muswellbrook and Singleton Local Government areas, which are believed to have started by lightning storms that have passed through the area recently.
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There are currently 11 fires in the Hunter Valley district area, four are being controlled and all others are contained.
There is no current threat to property at this stage.
The majority of fires are located in remote areas of Wollemi National Park.
Operational officer Leanne Bell, of the NSW RFS, said the main focus for fire fighters will be the TJ’s fire, 30km south west of Singleton in the vicinity of Putty and Howes Valley.
The fire has burnt 4092 hectares and has a 45km perimeter in rugged and inaccessible terrain, with challenging weather conditions.
“Local NSW RFS volunteers have been working on these fires since Saturday, January 13, and have been bolstered by crews from across the state, other agencies and fire fighters from the ACT Rural Fire Service,” Operational officer Bell said.
“Firefighters are, supported by air resources, heavy plant and an Incident Management Team of over 30 personnel.
“Other agencies such as NSW Ambulance, NSW SES and Department of Primary Industries are also supporting the operation as well as local councils.”
Operational officer Bell said the management of this many fires, firefighters and support personnel is a logistical challenge.
“Personnel are being accommodated and fed at Lone Pine Barracks at Singleton Army Base,” she added.
“We are very fortunate to have this resource on our door step.
“The local communities of Howes Valley, Garland Valley, Putty, Baerami and Widden will see an increase in traffic on local roads as firefighters work to strengthen containment lines around the fires.”
Operational Officer Bell said the local community should stay informed and monitor the situation on the RFS web site, Fires Near Me App, NSW RFS facebook and Twitter accounts and Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
