Illawarra firefighters have worked quickly in gusty winds to halt a fast-moving grass fire, sparked by fallen power lines, which came within metres of one home west of Kiama.
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Fire crews were called to Mount Brandon Road at Jerrara just before 9am on Wednesday.
David Hitchens, a district officer with the NSW RFS, said crews were met with a “running grass fire” threatening property.
“On arrival, crews found that power lines were down. Swift work by the crew from Jamberoo stopped [the fire from affecting] the property that was in danger,” Mr Hitchens said.
RFS volunteers, assisted by their Fire and Rescue NSW counterparts, fought both the flames and strong westerly winds gusting about 100km/h.
Mr Hitchens said four properties were initially in danger.
The gusty winds pushed the fire down a slope towards the properties and came within about 30 metres of one of them, which was of the main concern to firefighters.
“Wind conditions have been quite severe, up to 100km/h here on site, and we’ve been able to manage to contain the fire to this stage,” he said.
As of 10.30am, firefighters were still working on the northwestern flank of the fire.
About an hour later, the fire was downgraded from a watch and act alert level to “advice”, and listed as “being controlled”.
By noon, the fire was under control.
The fire has burnt 15 hectares. Crews remain on the scene, mopping up.
The fire was sparked after a tree fell onto power lines, Mr Hitchens said.
Meanwhile, the RFS has upgraded the fire danger rating across the Illawarra/Shoalhaven to severe on Wednesday. A total fire ban has also been enforced.
Mr Hitchens said the forecast fire danger was of concern to firefighters.
“We’ve gone a long time without rain and the conditions don’t look like easing for the moment,” he said.
“As soon as we get these westerly winds, which are predominately August winds, it’s a very high concern for us.
“We urge people to do the right thing, don’t do backburning on those sort of days; use your head really, it’s common sense.
“We don’t want to have any fire in the environment while we’ve got these high winds around.”
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Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
