URGENT UPDATE: Firefighters are currently engaged in a fierce battle against a 19-hectare fire raging in Wadbilliga National Park, located north of Yowrie and south of Belowra, as the NSW South Coast braces for an impending heatwave. This multi-agency effort involves the Rural Fire Service (RFS), National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Forestry Corporation, all working together to contain the blaze.
According to Chris Anderson, the Far South Coast RFS district coordinator, aircraft are currently deployed to actively bomb the fire from above. “We’ve got approximately seven aircraft actively bombing this fire at the moment to keep it to the smaller size,” Anderson confirmed. The situation remains critical as firefighters assess the rugged and remote terrain, preparing for the possibility that the fire may spread further in the coming days.
The fire was reported earlier today, January 8, 2024, and while the exact cause remains under investigation, Anderson noted significant lightning activity in the area over the past few days. “We just want people to be mindful that we had a significant amount of lightning over the weekend,” he stated. “Fires from lightning can pop up days after the event.”
Residents are urged to stay informed about the ongoing situation through RFS social media channels and the Hazards Near Me app. Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance as conditions may worsen with the approaching heatwave.
As the fire continues to threaten the natural landscape, the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies highlight the urgency of the situation. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
