NSW Bushfires: Three Mile Fire threatens more Central Coast areas
Dramatic video from the out of control Three Mile fire shows the Rural Fire Service battling to save homes near Wisemans Ferry. Crews continue to work to protect other nearby communities.
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A confronting video of the Three Mile fire closing in on a Wisemans Ferry property has revealed the intensity of the blaze.
The NSW RFS - Central Coast unit has released footage of the blaze with firefighters working to protect a property at Wisemans Ferry.
The Three Mile fire is currently burning on the northern side of the Hawkesbury with fire crews and aircraft on scene.
Meanwhile the enourmous Gospers Mountain fire to the west of the Central Coast has been upgraded to emergency status as residents of Colo Heights and surrounds are being warned to take shelter.
Peats Ridge residents have been warned to watch for spot fires and embers and three other remote communities are on high alert today as the fire continues to burn out of control.
Meanwhile Mangrove Creek, Greengrove and Lower Mangrove residents are bracing for the impact of fire.
As the crow flies the fire is quite close to the township of Mangrove Mountain and is inching closer with westerly winds, which are increasing into the afternoon.
It was a long night for some residents with the fire really taking hold late yesterday and after a brief reprieve this morning it appears the fire activity is picking up west of the creek, which separates the town from Dharug National Park and Ten Mile Hollow.
A number of residents have been driving around checking on neighbours or stopping to take photos of two water bombing helicopters.
“If it comes up this gully, which it looks like it’s going to do, we could be in a bit of trouble,” one property owner said.
Several Fire & Rescue trucks have travelled down Pemberton Rd with an
RFS truck parked on Wisemans Ferry Rd.
Central Coast residents woke to a heavier blanket of smoke this morning along with ash raining over the region.
Residents of Peats Ridge Rd, Wisemans Ferry Rd and Mangrove Mountain have been told to watch spot fires with the 5800 hectare fire continuing to travel west.
Howling westerly winds saw the fire upgraded to Emergency Warning levels last night, however it was downgraded to Watch and Act around 10pm.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has advised that fire is spotting ahead of the main fire front.
“Firefighters are working with residents to protect homes as required.
“Winds are resulting in significant smoke impacting the Mangrove Mountain and surrounding areas. Winds and temperatures are predicted to increase over the coming days through until Friday. Today embers are likely west of Mangrove Creek, in the area of Wisemans Ferry Rd and Peats Ridge Rd.”
Wisemans Ferry Rd is closed from the Ferry, east to Mill Creek.
The Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park in Calga has indicated it will move the last of its animals today.
“This morning we are moving all the remaining animals that can be moved, to safety,” owner Tassin Barnard posted.
She said the fires growth presented a “whole new and unexpected ball game”.
“It cut across to the north of us to Mangrove Creek. But this is further north than we thought it would go, giving us a bit more time. Today’s and tomorrow’s weather will probably push the fire down to us.”
There appears to be no relief in sight over the coming days with westerly winds set to continue.