NSW bushfires no longer threaten properties
NSW bushfires no longer threaten properties
02 January 2006
published by ABC
Fire authorities in New South Wales say there are now no properties directly threatened by a series of bushfires that broke out in parts of the state yesterday.
Fire crews on the state’s central coast are conducting hazard reduction burns and are assessing the damage caused by yesterday’s fires but there are fears warm temperatures could see the flames return later in the week.
Over 20 bushfires continue to burn in New South Wales.
A bushfire at Junee, in the state’s south, is moving north towards the Pethungra Ranges, but the Rural Fire Service says it hopes to contain the blaze by tomorrow afternoon.
Spokesman Cameron Wade is also cautiously optimistic about the situation at Junee.
“We do have to keep a close eye on this fire still, very large at 24,00 hectares, we still need to make sure that all those edges are mopped up and contained,” he said.
So far, eight properties have been destroyed by fire as well as thousands of heads of livestock.
A volunteer firefighter remains in a critical but stable condition after suffering burns to 60 per cent of his body.
Last night a volunteer ambulance officer also died after suffering a heart attack.
New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has paid tribute to volunteer firefighters who have fought the blazes.
“There are a number of fires that are still burning and the efforts of Rural Fire Service and volunteers, the teams that have been brought to the areas and are fighting the fires, they have performed outstandingly to preserve property and preserve lives,” he said.
