Fire crews are using the current lull in weather conditions to strengthen containment lines on a number of fire fronts across the NSW Rural Fire Service, Mid Coast Fire Control Centre region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The RFS is currently dealing with 11 fires, four of those are now at patrol level.
RFS district officer Stuart Robb says the easing of strong winds and cooler temperatures will aid fire crews.
"We will see an easing of the strong winds experienced over the weekend along with cooler temperatures for the remainder of this week," he said.
"Fires crews from various agencies will use this time to strengthen containment lines.
"We are looking at a potential deterioration in conditions by late Friday which could include stronger winds.
"However, we have a helicopter with water bombing capabilities on standby at Port Macquarie Airport and a second aircraft undertaking reconnaissance mapping to gather intel on the current fire situation."
Mr Robb says these aircraft will provide a rapid response should any fires start up in the area.
The fire danger rating is currently listed as high but is not expected to rise higher in the next few days.
Of the 11 fires RFS is dealing with, four are at patrol level. These include, Riverside Drive, Pappinbarra, Old King Creek Road and Nowandoc Road.
The Lindfield Park Road fire is now contained and strategies are currently in place by NSW Health in regard to potential ongoing smoke issues.
The six remaining fires include, Boundary Road, Lorne State Forest (listed at one hectare); Ballengara Road (247 hectares); Walters Trail Bellangry (905 hectares); Toms Creek, Ellenborough (465 hectares); Colling Road, Elands (37 hectares) and Enfield Range (196 hectares).
RFS is handling three of those fires, Forestry Corporation two and National Parks and Wildlife Service one.
Mr Robb said the RFS urged landholders to be cautious, given the prevailing weather conditions.
Permits are not suspended, but it remains important at this time that with drier than normal conditions and strong winds, landholders exercise extreme caution and contact the fire control centre for advice on 1300 643 262.
- Stuart Robb
"Permits are not suspended, but it remains important at this time that with drier than normal conditions and strong winds, landholders exercise extreme caution and contact the fire control centre for advice on 1300 643 262," he said.
"We would also urge landholders and home owners to have a discussion about what they would do in the advent of a fire and to also update their bushfire survival plans.
"You should also stay up to date on the fire situation by using the Fires Near Me app or the RFS website.
"If any member of the public passes a fire that is unattended they should immediately contact triple-0.
"This will help in a quick response by fire agencies."
NSW Fire and Rescue Port Macquarie and Wauchope crews were involved in the Old Station Road, Verges Creek fire just near Kempsey over the weekend
That fire is being controlled and is currently listed as 849 hectares.
The fire is burning in a south-easterly direction and has crossed the Belmore River as well as Loftus Road and is burning in the Hat Head National Park.
Overnight, crews have conducted backburning operations in the area of Richardson Crossing and today will continue to strengthen containment lines in an effort to control this fire and may conduct backburning if required.
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.