7 January, 2026
firefighters-battle-blaze-near-wattle-flat-smoke-visible-now

URGENT UPDATE: Smoke is currently visible in the vicinity of Wattle Flat as firefighters intensify their efforts to control a challenging bushfire. The fire ignited at approximately 12:50 PM today, with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) – Chifley Lithgow leading the response.

Firefighters are employing aerial support in their battle against the blaze, which is located in a hard-to-reach area near Sofala Road. According to the latest RFS statement, “Chifley Lithgow crews are currently working with the assistance of aircraft to contain a bushfire burning in a difficult to reach location.”

At this time, there is no immediate threat to properties in the region; however, residents should remain vigilant as smoke may impact visibility and air quality. The RFS has classified the fire as ‘being controlled’, indicating that effective strategies are in place to monitor and manage the fire’s perimeter.

Despite this positive classification, the RFS is actively monitoring a total of 41 blazes across New South Wales (NSW), underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services in the area. In a related incident, a separate fire near Lithgow at Farmers Creek is reported to be under control.

As conditions change, the RFS will continue to provide updates. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow any safety advisories issued by the authorities.

This developing situation highlights the crucial role of firefighting teams in safeguarding communities. With several blazes active in the region, the community’s support for these brave responders is more important than ever.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.