Firefighters confident of tackling blaze threatening homes in Blue Mountains
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Version 0 of 1. Firefighters are confident they have the upper hand over an out-of-control bushfire that’s threatening 40 homes in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. A “watch and act alert” was issued by NSW Rural Fire Service for the Wentworth Falls area on Saturday morning. More than 100 firefighters, aided by waterbombing helicopters, have been working to contain the 30-hectare blaze in the area of Hordern Road, Coronation Road and Tableland Road. “The waterbombers have done a great job containing the blaze”, said NSW RFS inspector Ben Shepherd. “Fortunately we haven’t seen the winds reach the forecast strength just yet,” he said on Saturday at around 1pm. There were still concerns they could pick up later in the afternoon. About 130 firefighters are in place along the road near the 40 threatened homes. Wind gusts up to 70km/h had been predicted for Saturday between 12-3pm, which could have been problematic, Shepherd said. “They’re not out of the woods yet.” The fire broke out on Friday night but picked up on Saturday morning when it was fanned by strengthening winds. Access to the blaze is difficult as it has dropped over the cliff escarpment. An emergency alert telephone warning message has been sent to residents in the area and updates are being posted on the Rural Fire Service website. “If your plan is to leave, or if you are not prepared, consider leaving to family and friends away from the fire affected area,” the RFS said. |