WORSENING conditions on Tuesday have forced the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) to upgrade the Kerry Ridge bushfire to "Watch and Act".
The out of control blaze, which is burning in the Wollemi National Park, Putty State Forest, Coricudgy State Forest and Nullo Mountain State Forest, encompasses the Muswellbrook, Singleton and Mid-Western LGAs.
It's now more than 128,000 hectares in size.
"The fire is most active in the area of isolated properties along Growee Road, Nullo Moumtain and Coxs Crown Road," a NSW RFS spokesperson said.
"It's also moving north towards properties in the Widden, Baerami Creek and Martindale area.
"The fire is moving east towards properties in Milbrodale, too.
"Firefighters, supported by heavy plant machinery and water-bombing aircraft, continue to work on strengthening containment lines.
"Putty Road is closed, to undertake back-burning operations, between Milbrodale Road and Colo Heights Road.
"The fire has merged with the Oaky Creek and Paddock Run bushfires.
"Deteriorating conditions are forecast on New Year's Eve (December 31) with expected high temperatures and strong winds."
Watch and Act - Kerry Ridge
(Muswellbrook, Singleton and Mid-Western LGAs)
Advice
- If you are in the areas west of the fire including Nullo Mountain, Olinda and Bogee, monitor the changing conditions. Be ready to act if the situation changes.
- If you are in the areas east of the fire including Milbrodale, Bulga, Howes Valley, Appletree Flat, and Doyles Creek, continue to monitor conditions. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- If you are in the areas north of the fire including Widden, Baerami, Baerami Creek and Martindale, monitor the conditions. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If you are threatened by fire
- Do not be in the path of the fire.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Wear protective clothing and footwear. Cover all exposed skin.
- If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
- If your life is at risk, phone Triple Zero (000).
- If you are in an area that has already been affected by fire, there may be small areas of active fire burning for some time. Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.
Road closures
- Putty Road is closed to undertake back-burning operations, between Milbrodale Road and Colo Heights Road.
- Bylong Valley Way x Coxs Creek Road, Rylstone
- Glen Alice Road x Narrango Road, Rylstone
- Glen Alice Road x Dabee Road, Dabee
- Glen Alice Road x Dunville Loop Road, Bogee
- Glen Alice Road x Noola Road, Bogee
