NSW Rural Fire Services crews are working to control a fire burning in an easterly direction towards Echo Hill Road, in bushland north of Ogunbil Road south of Dungowan, approximately 25km south east of Tamworth.
Residents along Echo Hills Road are being advised to prepare now.
“If you are not prepared, your safest option is to leave early. Residents along Ogunbil Road south of Dungowan should monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes.” said NSW RFS.
“Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.”
“Residents along Ogunbil Road south of Dungowan should monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes.”
Firefighters are working with waterbombing aircraft to control the fire which has grown to approximately 80 hectares in size and remains out of control.
What you need to do
- Residents along Echo Hills Road should prepare now. If you are not prepared, your safest option is to leave early.
- Fill buckets, sinks and bath tubs with water ready to put out spot fires
- Block downpipes and fill your gutters with water to help stop burning embers. Do not get on the roof.
- Remove items which can burn from around your home, such as furniture and door mats.
- If you have firefighting equipment, get it ready now.
- Put on protective clothing made of natural fibres that covers all of your skin. Wear sturdy shoes. Have plenty of drinking water available.
- Residents along Ogunbil Road south of Dungowan should monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes.
If you are threatened by fire
- If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
- Bring pets indoors and restrain them, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners, keep water running if possible.
- Shelter in a room on the other side of the building from the approaching fire, and one that has water and a clear exit out of the house.
- Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers and turn sprinklers on if you have them.
- Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
Other fires under control in the New England (Updated 29/12)
There are a number of other grass or bush fires currently burning across the New England, including include the Box Forest Road bush fire at Kingstown, which is 249 ha, and a fire in the Attunga State Forest which is 24 ha and has had aerial water bombers brought in as crews work to get it under control.
The Scrubby Gully Road in Walcha is now under control and no longer on an advice alert.
Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, and the RFS website.
For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.
Top image: Ogunbil Fire from the air (NSW RFS. Facebook)
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