UPDATED 4PM
There are now four fires in the Tenterfield local government area at Emergency alert level, with a number of properties being threatened near Woodside, Jennings, and Tabulam.
- Frost Rd, Woodside, Mole Station Rd, (Tenterfield LGA) – Shelter Now: An emergency warning is in place for the Woodside area due to a fast moving bush fire. If you are in the area of Woodside, east of Woodside Rd in the vicinity of Log Hut Creek you are at risk. Seek shelter to protect yourself from the fire. It is too late to leave. The fire is also pushing in a northeasterly direction towards the Bruxner Way. People along Bruxner Way in the area of Woodside should shelter now.
- Sawyers Creek, Donnybrook State Forest – Shelter Now – Tarban – An emergency warning is in place for the Tarban and Woodside areas due to a fast-moving bush fire. If you are in the area of Tarban, you are at risk. Seek shelter to protect yourself from the fire. It is too late to leave.
- Christies (Tenterfield LGA) – Shelter Now – Jennings – An emergency warning is in place for the Jennings area due to a large bush fire to the northwest. If you are in the area of Jennings, you are at risk. Seek shelter to protect yourself from the fire. It is too late to leave.
- Ogilvie Dr, Tabulam (Tenterfield LGA) – Shelter Now – An emergency warning is in place for the Plains Station and Pagans Flat areas due to a large bush fire. If you are in the area of Plains Station Rd, Plains Station or Pagans Flat along Clarence Way, you are at risk. Seek shelter to protect yourself from the fire. It is too late to leave.
The Scrub Road Fire, 4km southeast of Tenterfield, has been reduced from Emergency to Watch and Act. Another fire at Ashglen has been upgraded to Watch and Act but is currently under control.
An evacuation centre for residents who have been affected by the Tenterfield Fires has been established at:
Tenterfield Showground, Manners Street, TENTERFIELD NSW 2372
Memorial Hall, 10 Barnes Street, TABULAM NSW 2469
For more information, visit the Hazards Near Me app and #RFS website: https://brnw.ch/21wE0jF
Situation as at 4pm 31 October. Check here for the current conditions.
What you need to do
- Seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house. Do not be caught in the open in the path of the fire.
- Go inside and protect yourself from the fire front. Actively monitor the situation.
- A safer location may include a well cleared area nearby. Neighbourhood safer places offer a place of last resort if there are no other options.
- If you planned to visit the area, or live in the area but are away from home, do not return.
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.
- Keep moving away from the fire if possible and if your building catches fire, go to an area within the building which has already burnt.
- 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 Information
- Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Fires Near Me, the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
There are currently around 40 fires burning throughout the New England region. Dry, hot, and windy conditions are contributing to the significant fire risk this afternoon.