Bushfire threat eases in Sydney’s north
Bushfire threat eases in Sydney’s north
13 January 2009
published by news.smh.com.au
Australia — Fire crews have contained a bushfire which earlier threatened several homes in Sydney’s north shore.
The fire broke out in bushland between East Killara and Davidson at about 2.30pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.
At the height of the emergency, firefighters were forced to put themselves and a truck between the blaze and at least three houses in Albany Crescent at East Killara.
The fire raced up a gully in the Garigal National Park, burning to the fencelines of the nearby homes.
More than 100 firefighters from the Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire Brigade and National Parks and Wildlife Service battled the blaze, backed by four waterbombing aircraft, including two air cranes.
An RFS spokesman said the fire had been contained and backburning was now underway, but crews would remain at the scene for most of the night.
“Thanks to the great efforts of firefighters supported by aircraft the fire threat has eased,” he said.
“We will be closely monitoring the fire overnight.”
He said firefighters would remain on high alert ahead of predicted high temperatures for the rest of the week across much of NSW.
“In the absence of rain it’s really a reminder to everyone that the bushfire season has arrived,” he said.
“Now is the time for people to prepare their houses if they haven’t done already.”
A total fire ban has been declared for 24 hours from midnight on Wednesday for the south-western district, eastern Riverina, southern Riverina and northern Riverina.
Temperatures are expected to climb to 41 at Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith on Wednesday.
Deniliquin will swelter with a predicted top of 43, along with Ivanhoe in the state’s west.
In Sydney, tops of 29 are expected in the city and 38 in the west.
