Bushfire moves towards Southern Highlands town

Firefighters are working to slow the spread of the fire with containment lines as it approaches Balmoral, near Bargo.

The RFS said crews are being supported by heavy plant machinery and waterbombing aircraft.

Backburning operations are planned in the Tuglow area on Saturday and may generate large amounts of smoke to drift towards private properties.

The blaze has burnt more than 112,000 hectares of bushland.

RFS advice as of 8pm:

Current Situation

The fire is burning on both sides of Lake Burragorang.
Fire activity is easing.
Firefighters continue working to protect property and establish containment lines in the area, supported by heavy plant machinery and waterbombing aircraft.
Backburning operations are planned in the Tuglow area today and may generate large amounts of smoke to drift towards private properties.

Advice

If you are in the area of Balmoral, monitor the changing conditions. Follow your bush fire survival plan.
If you are to the east of the fire in the areas of Silverdale, Warragamba, The Oaks, Nattai Village, Oakdale, Belimbla Park, Werombi, Lakeslands, Orangeville, Theresa Park and Brownlow Hill, monitor conditions. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If you are to the south east of the fire in the areas of Lakeslands, Thirlmere, Couridjah, Buxton, Balmoral, Bargo and Hill Top, monitor conditions and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If you are to the south of the fire in the areas of Colong Stock Route, Bindook Highlands and locations between Colo Vale and Bullio, monitor the conditions and be aware of embers travelling ahead of the fire front. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
If you are to the west of the fire in the areas of Jaunter Road and Tuglow, monitor conditions. Know what to do if fire threatens.
If you are threatened by fire
Do not be in the path of the fire.
Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Wear protective clothing and footwear. Cover all exposed skin.
If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
If you are in an area that has already been affected by fire, there may be small areas of active fire burning for some time. Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.

Evacuation Centre

For a list of evacuation centres visit Disaster Assistance.
People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.
For a list of school closures visit Department of Education.

Other Information

Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
People with respiratory conditions who are affected by bush fire smoke should activate their health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.
For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW. Roads may be closed without warning.
Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.

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