Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
NSW Hunter blaze eases, RFS stays alert
The RFS expects a bushfire in the NSW Hunter Valley to worsen despite conditions easing overnight.
February 15, 2018
A bushfire that’s burned through thousands of hectares of national park in the NSW Hunter Valley could take two weeks to extinguish despite conditions easing overnight.
The Rural Fire Service downgraded the emergency warning for the bushfire in the Wollemi National Park and Putty State Forest, which has scorched 7000 hectares, but says the warning level is expected to be re-elevated on Thursday.
The alert was downgraded to a watch and act level about 9.30pm on Wednesday, with homes still under threat, but the threat has now eased, the RFS said in a statement on Thursday.
RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said firefighters will on Thursday check if any homes were lost.
“I don’t think we’re out of the woods as far as the fire risk for that particular fire,” he told the ABC from RFS headquarters on Thursday.
Fire crews will continue to work on strengthening containment lines around the blaze.
Total fire bans are in place in five regions of NSW including Illawarra/Shoalhaven, the Southern Ranges, the Central Ranges, North Western and the Northern Slopes.
Mr Roger said northwest NSW faces a severe fire danger threat.
“We’re expecting gusty winds as the change moves up the coast and those winds that were in Victoria move through NSW,” he said.
“So we’re in for another long day and a lot more firefighting.”
The RFS warned NSW residents to keep monitoring conditions and check their bushfire survival plan.