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Bushfire concern shifts to NSW, as South Australia conditions ease Bushfire concern shifts to NSW, as South Australia conditions ease
(about 9 hours later)
The bushfire emergency has spread to New South Wales, with two out of control blazes threatening properties on Sunday. The bushfire emergency has spread to New South Wales, with several blazes threatening properties on Sunday.
There have been unconfirmed reports of property loss in a fire burning in the Murraguldrie State Forest area, south-east of Wagga Wagga. Several isolated rural properties came under threat from a bushfire in the south of the state that intensified in deteriorating conditions.
The fire is heading south through a pine plantation. The Rural Fire Service (RFS) says the fire is burning quickly and erratically. Conditions in South Australia eased, allowing firefighters to get the upper hand on numerous bushfires. Only one fire remained subject to a watch and act alert on Sunday afternoon.
"There are a number of isolated rural properties that are under threat and firefighters are working to protect these where conditions are safe to do so," the RFS said. An emergency warning was issued for the Humula, Carabost and Little Billabong areas in NSW after a south-westerly wind change on Sunday afternoon put homes "under immediate threat" from the out-of-control Minnimbah fire, which was "burning quickly and erratically", the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) said.
Firefighters are also working to protect properties in the Gocup area, in the state's Riverina. Both fires are at watch and act alert levels. It had blazed through more than 8000 hectares.
Conditions in South Australia have eased, allowing firefighters to get the upper hand on numerous bushfires. There are still five significant blazes burning across the state with two subject to watch and act alerts. "Firefighters are actively undertaking property protection," the RFS said on its website.
NSW RFS spokesman Joel Kursawe said lightning strikes were believed to have started 50 new fires across the state. "There are reports of property losses, however due to dangerous fire conditions, firefighters are unable to enter a number of fire-affected areas."
He said firefighters battling large fires in southern NSW dealt with very erratic conditions, with flames reaching 20 metres in places. Smoke and embers were being blown over Humula and containment lines at Carabost and Shockeroo roads were under pressure. Several roads are closed in the area.
"Last night because of the south-westerly change coming through the south, the fire behaviour was very, very erratic for firefighters on the scene," he told AAP. More than 60 firefighters, heavy machinery and water bombing aircraft were trying to bring a fire at Redbank, near Bathurst, under control.
"There are cooler and calmer conditions this morning but that will change as the day goes on – that's just summer." The bushfire, which had scorched more than 300 hectares, was burning through a radiata pine plantation and was "proving difficult to contain", the RFS said.
He said an emergency alert was issued for Carabost on Saturday night and about 30 properties were affected. There are 900 firefighters out across NSW with 93 active fires. "If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave early," the RFS advised residents on its website.
Frantic work to build containment lines for a third bushfire at Minjary, between Canberra and Wagga Wagga, was also under way.
The scrub fire had burnt 2,675 hectares and was being controlled.
About 900 firefighters have been deployed across NSW to battle 50 new fires sparked on Saturday by lightning strikes.
RFS spokesman Matt Sun said 86 fires were burning across NSW, with about 20 uncontained.
An emergency warning was issued at 4.30pm local time for the Hells Hole fire, which was burning out of control in the Copperhannia National Park area, near Bathurst.
The 100 hectare fire was heading east towards Trunkey.
An emergency telephone alert had been issued, the RFS said.
In South Australia the Bangor fire in the southern Flinders Ranges has burnt more than 19,000 hectares of grassland and destroyed six homes.In South Australia the Bangor fire in the southern Flinders Ranges has burnt more than 19,000 hectares of grassland and destroyed six homes.
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) said the fire's spread slowed significantly overnight on Saturday and crews were able to focus on strengthening control lines.The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) said the fire's spread slowed significantly overnight on Saturday and crews were able to focus on strengthening control lines.
Another bushfire in the Eden Valley has burnt through more than 24,000 hectares, but firefighters have managed to control a number of breakouts from the fire.Another bushfire in the Eden Valley has burnt through more than 24,000 hectares, but firefighters have managed to control a number of breakouts from the fire.
More than 60 firefighters from NSW were ready help their South Australia counterparts with the Eden Valley blaze on Sunday.More than 60 firefighters from NSW were ready help their South Australia counterparts with the Eden Valley blaze on Sunday.
A dramatic drop in fire activity in Riverland has allowed crews to bring two out of five fires in the area under control.A dramatic drop in fire activity in Riverland has allowed crews to bring two out of five fires in the area under control.
The fire threat has also eased for the Billiat conservation park fire, which has burnt through more than 92,000 hectares.The fire threat has also eased for the Billiat conservation park fire, which has burnt through more than 92,000 hectares.
The number of homes lost in the fires stands at 15, but that could rise as damage assessment teams explore fire affected areas.The number of homes lost in the fires stands at 15, but that could rise as damage assessment teams explore fire affected areas.
In South Australia, the Bangor fire in the southern Flinders Ranges destroyed six homes and burnt more than 19,000 hectares of grassland.
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) said the fire had not grown significantly by Sunday afternoon, but was still not under control.
Residents were urged not to return as the fire was still burning in steep terrain with conditions changing continually.
But the Horrocks Highway reopened to general traffic, with drivers warned to remain vigilant since fire crews were still working in the area.
A blaze in Eden Valley that had burnt through more than 24,000 hectares was downgraded to advice level.
The CFS said people in Truro, Keyneton, Towitta, Moculta, Eden Valley, Sanderston and surrounding areas should remain vigilant.
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