URGENT UPDATE: A rapidly spreading grass fire near Corowa has been contained, with no homes, sheds, or livestock lost. The fire, which began around 3:30 PM on November 27, prompted immediate emergency warnings as strong winds fueled its growth.
Approximately 110 firefighters from various agencies responded to the urgent situation, battling the flames with the support of three aircraft, including a Hercules waterbomber. The fire was successfully contained by 6:00 PM, marking a significant win for emergency crews under challenging conditions.
Rural Fire Service Superintendent Tom McDevitt described the day as one residents “don’t want to see too many of,” emphasizing the severe weather conditions that contributed to the fire’s rapid escalation. “The initial information was that the fire was going hard and it would be about an hour before it would impact Corowa,” McDevitt stated.
Residents in the vicinity, particularly those north of Honour Avenue, received crucial emergency warnings, allowing them to prepare for the approaching fire. Fortunately, the blaze encountered damp terrain and partially green canola crops, which helped firefighters gain the upper hand.
Despite the fire impacting a total of 542 hectares, there were no reported losses, highlighting the effective preparedness of the local community. Superintendent McDevitt praised the firefighters for their exceptional efforts under “atrocious weather conditions,” and noted that the community responded well to the warnings issued.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with authorities working diligently to determine its source. Superintendent McDevitt warned that ongoing drought conditions and depleted soil moisture levels could lead to more rapid fire escalations in the future.
“This is an early start to the fire season, and we’ve got a long way to go,” he cautioned, stressing the importance of continued vigilance. As the community reflects on this close call, the successful containment of the fire serves as a testament to the preparedness of both local authorities and residents alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
