Extra NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) are in place in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area (LGA) today with concerns weather conditions could increase fire activity in remote areas.
The Gospers Mountain fire is now about 200,000 ha in size and continues to burn to the north of Bilpin and Mt Lagoon, south of Putty, east of Glen Davis and west of St Albans in the Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Singleton LGAs and is being controlled, according to an update from the RFS issued last night (Sunday).
Fire information sessions on the Gospers Mountain blaze are due to be held at 9am and 10am today (Monday) at Mountain Lagoon Rural Fire Brigade station and Colo Heights Community Hall respectively.
"The fire has not significantly increased in size over the last few days compared to a week ago however throughout [Sunday] we have seen an increase in fire activity and smoke," the statement said.
"The short term improvement in conditions has allowed firefighters to focus on close containment options in the west.
"Fire activity is starting to pick up in the north west corner - west of Putty - firefighting crews will be in the area ... throughout the day [today]. Aircraft will assist ground crews where required and will regularly monitor the area, however aircraft operations may be limited if the wind is very strong.
"Fire activity is starting to pick up in the south west corner - east of Rocky Creek and burning in the vicinity of Nayook Creek - due to the remote, inaccessible terrain, ground based firefighters are unable to reach the area. Aircraft are regularly monitoring the area, however aircraft operations may be limited if the wind is very strong.
"Due to the predicted weather on Monday, December 2, extra resources from RFS will be in place around the Hawkesbury LGA to assist local crews if any outbreaks or new fires occur.
"The current areas experiencing the most fire activity are in remote, difficult to reach areas. The fire activity in these remote areas is likely to develop throughout the day, where large columns of smoke will be visible."
The fire information sessions will provide residents with an update on the current situation and expected fire behaviour, along with a map.
"Community members will also have the opportunity to ask advice of NSW RFS community liaison officers, the NSW RFS Hawkesbury District stated on social media.
