Vintage FM will provide live updates on air for fires in Sydney’s West on Tuesday 12th November. Tune in online here, or on your radio.
Help & Information
In an Emergency – 000
Bushfire Information Line – 1800 679 737
RFS Website – rfs.nsw.gov.au/
Downloadable Resources:
Catastrophic fire danger is forecast for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas on Tuesday 12 November 2019, due to worsening weather conditions.
High temperatures, strong winds and low humidity are forecast, making conditions extremely dangerous.
Catastrophic is the highest level of bush fire danger. Homes are not designed to withstand a fire under these conditions. This is the first time since new Fire Danger Ratings were introduced in 2009 that Catastrophic fire danger has been forecast for Greater Sydney (including the blue mountains). A state-wide total fire ban has been declared for all NSW for Monday and Tuesday.
If you are in the path of a fire in these conditions, your life will be at risk. Evacuate if possible. Avoid bushland areas. Safer locations may include large centres, such as towns or cities well away from bushland areas. If you are unable to leave, identify a safer location in case a fire starts. This may include a Neighbourhood Safer Place.
Vintage FM will be providing on-air updates and information on bushfires in Sydney’s West over the next few days. Information and updates can also be found on the RFS website, through social media and the Fires Near Me NSW app. Keep your devices charged in case of a power outage so you can stay up to date with all the latest information.
Based on latest forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following fire danger ratings are expected on Tuesday. These are subject to change as forecasts are updated:
- Catastrophic – Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven (including the Blue Mountains and Central Coast areas)
- Extreme – North Coast, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes and North Western
- Severe – Far North Coast, New England, Far South Coast, Southern Ranges, Lower Central West Plains
Bush Fire Survival Plan
The NSW Rural Fire Service strongly recommends that everyone in your home has a conversation about exactly what they’ll do in a bush fire. It should take just 20 minutes. Many households find that having a discussion over dinner works best.
1. Discuss what to do if a bushfire threatens your home.
2. Prepare your home and get it ready
3. Know the bushfire alert levels
4. Keep all the bushfire information numbers, websites and the smart phone app on hand.
Fires Near Me NSW App
The Fires Near Me NSW app is a FREE app that can be downloaded on the app store or google play store onto a smartphone, iPad or tablet. It provides warnings and information on incidents across NSW attended by the NSW RFS and other agencies.
Set a ‘watch zone’ on the app by tapping and holding down on the place you want to centre your watch zone around, then following the steps to indicate how large of a radius you want the watch zone to cover. Push notifications will be sent to your device when a fire starts or escalates within your watch zone.
Staying up to date is a key step in your bush fire survival plan. The NSW RFS recommends users of the app do not rely solely on the information provided in the app, and utilise other communications channels such as the public website, the Bush Fire Information Line and local radio such as Vintage FM.
Local School Closures:
(Subject to change)
- Corpus Christi Primary School Cranebrook
- McCarthy Catholic College Emu Plains
- St Finbar’s Primary School Glenbrook
- Catholic Out of School Hours Care St Finbar’s Glenbrook
- Holy Family Primary School Luddenham
- Xavier College Llandilo
- St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood
- St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood
- Blaxland East Public School
- Blaxland High School
- Blaxland Public School
- Camden Park Environmental Education Centre
- Chifley College Dunheved
- Chifley College Senior
- Colo High School
- Emu Heights Public School
- Glenbrook Public School
- Grose View Public School
- Kemps Creek Public School
- Lapstone Public School
- Leura Public School
- Springwood High School
- Springwood Public School
- Windsor Park Public School
- Winmalee High School
- Winmalee Public School
- Richmond TAFE Campus
View the full list here
Important Information from NSW Ambulance on Bushfire Weather Conditions
People with any respiratory issues or who are particularly vulnerable can be the first to feel the effects of smoke which may aggravate an existing condition. Even healthy adults and children can be impacted by the effects of heavy smoke which can result in lung irritation.
These conditions can have a serious impact on your health, and it is important to remember that our bodies have to work extra hard to cope or cool down. Ensure you stay hydrated and pay particular attention to any symptoms of heat related illness (dizziness, headaches, racing pulse or nausea).
Be aware of potential hazards such as embers, falling debris, damage to surroundings and reduced visibility which can cause injury. Paramedics are urging people in fire affected areas to wear any form of eyewear and lose clothing to cover your skin to assist in reducing any incidental injury.
NSW Ambulance recommends if anyone sustains any form of burn, they should cool the affected area immediately with water – ideally running water – for a minimum of 20 minutes (for eyes ensure you flush the eye) and seek medical attention.
We need people to really take care of themselves. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, make sure you have all your medications with you and readily available at all times. NSW Ambulance is always here to help – never be afraid to call Triple Zero (000).
