Australia Bushfires Continue, NSW Residents Urged to Stay Alert
As bushfires in Australia's most populous region has yet to abate, government authorities are now seeking more volunteers as local firefighters could no longer attend to the growing number of incidents on an hourly basis.
Vigilance and volunteerism are the two important words sought from Aussies in NSW and neigbouring regions because temperatures are seen rising further in the coming days as the country simmers deeper into the summer months.
Stronger winds and higher temperatures are forecast for Friday and Saturday.
State Premier Barry O'Farrell said in a news conference that it is still a time for caution as the dangers remain high.
"We need the public to remain alert," notes Mr. O'Farrell.
He adds that so far an approximately $1 million worth of farm and agricultural produce had been lost due to the fires that ravaged 37 areas.
Burning in Yass, Sussex Inlet, Wandandian, Cooma
In its latest update, the bushfire traveling in an easterly direction approximately 11 kilometres west of Yass was not yet fully contained.
Nonetheless, fire crews have made significant progress following easing conditions overnight. The fire is currently on the eastern side of Burrinkjuck Road and Black Range Road and is west of Yass River.
Properties on Black Range Road and Glenroy Road are currently not under threat due to cooler conditions over night. Residents are still urged to remain vigilant and ensure properties are well prepared, as temperatures rise during the day. Flare ups could occur along Black Range Road and Childowla Road today.
As of 3:15 (AEST time) the coastal villages of Sussex Inlet, Wandandian and further south had been ablaze and burned down approximately 5,840 hectares.
The 130 firefighters trying to put out the fire are yet to contain the blaze, which is approx 6km from the town and 12km west of Sussex Inlet (South of Nowra).
Another area that still has bushfires burning is now approximately 20 kilometres east of Cooma at the Kybeyan Valley.
Volunteers Program
Concerned citizens willing to volunteer are welcome, but they need be no less than 16 years of age and requirements should be met. If you are under the age of 16 please see the NSW Rural Service's Young Volunteers page.
If you are thinking of joining the NSW RFS see ther Membership Application Process and Enquiries page.
NSW Hotline
The NSW Rural Service are now strictly imposing that the hotline number "000" should be called only a fire could be seen and not just the presence of smoke or if your life is directly threatened.