Emergency warning as blaze threatens properties
The Tingha Plateau blaze, as seen from Inverell Airport. Photo: Twitter/Rob Rogers
The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued an emergency warning for a blaze that has crossed roads and is threatening properties in the state’s central west.
The Tingha Plateau blaze has already burned through more than 300 hectares.
The RFS said it was spreading quickly and is threatening properties between Lake Copeton and Tingha. It had the potential to reach Tingha on Tuesday afternoon.
Firefighters and aircraft have been unable to slow the spread of the fire, which is about 160 kilometres north of Tamworth.
“Emergency alert telephone warnings are being sent to homes and mobile phones in the area,” the RFS said.
Those affected by the fire were advised to seek shelter and protect themselves from its heat. Residents who planned to stay with their properties were advised to make final preparations.
Another photo taken from Inverell Airport #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/ZLlOHwDsHO
— Rob Rogers (@robrfs) February 12, 2019
The emergency warning came as firefighters battled 33 bush and grassfires across NSW on a day of high fire risk.
A watch and act alert was also issued issued for a bushfire at Warrabah near Tamworth. The RFS warned fire activity was increasing in the area.
A NSW-wide fire ban was in place for Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to reach the low-40s in some areas, accompanied by high winds.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the fire danger would peak on Tuesday afternoon.
The Hunter Valley and surrounds faced extreme fire danger while the rest of NSW was under severe to high fire danger warnings.
A total fire ban will remain in effect for North Western, Northern Slopes, New England and Far North Coast tomorrow, 13 February. Parts of the state will continue to experience Very High to Severe fire danger conditions. Know what you will do should a fire threaten. #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/klkKiYvAkG
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) February 12, 2019
Strong winds, warm low-level temperatures and dry conditions combined with dry fuel from heatwave conditions in past months have led an elevated fire danger, a BOM spokesman said.
The fire danger would peak as maximum temperatures were recorded in the afternoon, the spokesman said.
A southerly change should move through from the state’s south later, hitting Sydney early on Wednesday. However, fire bans will remain in place for much of NSW throughout Wednesday.
-with AAP
