The Rural Fire Service (RFS) held a community meeting at the Club Bombala auditorium on Thursday afternoon to update people on the bush fire threat ahead of deteriorating conditions today.
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Bombala RFS fire captain Warren Kimber told attendees the Rockton fire was at Advice level and may impact on Bombala, Delegate and surrounds.
He told the meeting that five houses had been lost in the Rockton region with the fire having crossed the Imlay Road and was now burning on both the east and west sides of the Monaro Highway including the Bondi State Forest.
The W Tree fire in Victoria is also threatening to cross the border at some time.
"Our strategy for this fire is to contain the fire south of Deddick Valley, a strategy we will implement in coming week's," captain Kimber said.
A hot day is expected today (Friday, January 10) with expected temperatures in the mid 30's along with gusty north westerly winds 30 to 40 kmph before a late southerly change later in the evening.
"Fire activity is expected to intensify and become erratic, with possible spot fire occurring ahead of these fronts," captain Kimber said.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Peter Beer addressed the meeting and urged residents to look out for each other.
Are you prepared for a bush fire?
Snowy Monaro residents preparing their homes for increased fire danger are being asked to be mindful of their water usage in the lead up to the danger period.
Please do not run your hose or sprinklers prior to the fire danger. This water will evaporate and dry up before the danger period.
If fire approaches there may not be enough water left for you to protect your home, or for fire fighters to access.
Preparation should consist of maintenance around your garden and home - if you haven't undertaken the attached maintenance, prior to the danger period, you should leave.
If you choose to stay it is important to charge your hoses, have a water supply ready, and have your gutters blocked. Water is best used to defend your home from ember attack and fire.
It may get dark, smoky, and ash may fall from the sky long before an ember attack happens. You should also be physically and mentally prepared for the challenge of protecting your home.
Rural Fire Service tips for preparing your home:
- Even if your plan is to leave early, the more you prepare your home, the more likely it will survive a bush fire or ember attack.
- A well prepared home can also be easier for you or firefighters to defend, and is less likely to put your neighbours' homes at risk.
- A well prepared home will also give you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you cannot leave.
- Please refer to the RFS guide on the Bush Fire Emergency page for preparing your home. Remember- the safest option is to leave early.
