Source: NSW Rural Fire Service

EMERGENCY WARNING: Duck Creek Pilliga Forest
Posted: 19/12/2023 18:35

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A large bush fire is burning within the Pilliga Forest approximately 17km south of Narrabri and 21km west of Boggabri. The fire has burnt more than 112,000ha and is out of control.

Storms moving across the area have caused erratic fire behaviour people in the Bohena Creek and Jacks Creek area shelter now.

Current Situation

Thunderstorm activity is being experienced across the fireground, causing erratic fire behaviour and lightning strikes. Landholders are encouraged, where safe to do so, to inspect their properties for new ignitions and report new fires to Triple Zero (000).

Fire behaviour on the northern edge of the fireground has increased.

Firefighters are working in the area to protect properties and slow the spread of the fire.

Embers will be blown long distances ahead of the main fire front starting spot fires. These may impact your home earlier than the main fire front.
Crews are having some success controlling pockets of the fire as it exits the Pilliga and enters farmland.

The Newell Highway is closed between Narrabri and Coonabarrabran.

What you need to do

Bohena Creek, Jacks Creek - Shelter Now

If you are in the area of McCanns Rd Jacks Creek, Bohena Creek, your life is at risk. It is too late to leave.

Seek shelter now or as the fire approaches in a solid structure such as a house. Do not be caught in the open in the path of the fire.

Go inside and protect yourself from the fire front. Actively monitor the situation.

A safer location may include a well cleared area nearby. Neighbourhood safer places offer a place of last resort if there are no other options.

If you planned to visit the area, or live in the area but are away from home, do not return.

Baan Baa, Willala, Goolhi, Rocky Glen, Stannix Park, and Wynella - Monitor conditions

If you are in the area of Baan Baa, Willala, Goolhi, Rocky Glen, Stannix Park and Wynella, stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Watch out for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

This means looking out for burning embers, changes in wind direction and smoke. Watch for signs of fire in your area.

Know what you will do if the fire impacts on where you are. Identify a safer location in case the situation changes. This may include a well cleared area or a solid structure such as a home.

If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving early is the safest option.

If you are threatened by fire
If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.

Bring pets indoors and restrain them, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners, keep water running if possible.

Shelter in a room on the other side of the building from the approaching fire, and one that has water and a clear exit out of the house.

Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers and turn sprinklers on if you have them.

Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.

If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).

Evacuation Centres

The following evacuation centres are open and accept companion animals:

The Crossing Theatre, 117 Tibbereena Street, Narrabri.
Gunnedah PCYC, View St, Gunnedah
Smoke
Smoke from this fire can be seen across a broad area, from Coonamble to the west and Tamworth to the east of the fire, and as far south as Dubbo.

Smoke is being experienced across the north west of NSW, into the Hunter region and down into Sydney.

If you have a respiratory condition which may be worsened by smoke, activate your health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.

For advice, check NSW Health - Bush fire smoke and health.

Other Information
Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.

For assistance with large animal safer places, please contact Local Land Services on 0407 940 970.

For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.

Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.

For information on temporary school closures in your area, check School Operational Status.

RFS Current Bushfires