‘You are in danger’: Grim bushfire warning
Properties have been razed to the ground as an out-of-control bushfire continues to burn through NSW’s northwest.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the NSW Rural Fire Service told Glengarry residents it was too late to evacuate the oncoming Hudson fire as it rips through the Narran Lake Nature Reserve.
“The advise remains the same for those in the Glengarry area, you are in danger. It is now too late to leave. Seek shelter inside a solid structure,” RFS media instructed.
Reports of properties being destroyed in the blaze are now beginning to emerge as the fire pushes towards Grawin on Thursday.
RFS media spokesman Ben Shepherd said “our building and assessment teams will be in the area today to assess loss and damage”.
“Until then we can’t confirm the total number of properties impacted.”
Mr Shepherd said Grawin locals should expect for conditions to worsen throughout the day, as
temperatures climb and winds pick up.
An evacuation centre has been established at the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club and a bushfire information point has been set-up at Grawin Club in the Scrub.
It comes as an easing of conditions overnight is not predicted to last, with strong southwesterly winds further adding to the 18,100 hectares that have already gone up in flames.
A large firefighter presence, and heavy plant and waterbombing aircraft, will continue working across the ground on Thursday to try to contain the wild blaze.
NSW RFS advises anyone who is forced to, or decides to, stay and defend their property to keep water running if possible, turn off airconditioners, and close all doors and windows.
“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.”
The Hudson fire is one of 13 bushfires burning between Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Bourke.
It remains the only out-of-control fire, although a turn in conditions could change the status of surrounding blazes.
Total fire bans are now in place for North Western, Northern Slopes and Upper Central West Plains areas at risk of extreme fire danger.
More to come
