NSW Bushfires: Firefighters work to subdue out-of-control bushfire near Lake Burragorang

Brave firefighters are continuing to work to subdue the out-of-control Green Wattle Creek fire, which has been upgraded to a Watch and Act alert level.

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Brave firefighters are continuing to work to subdue the out-of-control Green Wattle Creek fire, which was upgraded to a Watch and Act alert level about noon today.

Conditions are expected to worsen into the afternoon with strong winds and high temperatures, up to 43 degrees, forecast.

The fire is expected to spread to the east and south-east before an expected southerly change, which will see the fire shift to a northern direction.

A bushfire damaged proprty in Orangeville. Picture: Adam Yip

The communities of Silverdale, Warragamba, The Oaks, Nattai, Oakdale, Belimbla Park, Werombi, Lakeslands, Orangeville, Theresa Park and Brownlow Park are currently east of the fire.

To the southeast of the fire is the areas of Lakeslands, Thirlmere, Coridjah, Buxton, Balmoral, Bargo and Hill Top.

All of the above communities are advised to monitor the changing conditions and know what to do if the fire threatens.

The bushfire, which has now burnt 100,000ha, has previously threatened homes in Nattai, Oakdale, Werombi, Orangeville and Theresa Park.

The remnants of the bushfire near Braddocks Rd, Werombi. Picture: Adam Yip

RFS spokesman Greg Allan urged families to be prepared.

“Have that conversation and have that plan in place,” he said. “Know what you are going to do in the event of fire. It is still out of control and considering the conditions, it is unclear when the threat will end.”

Despite reports, there has been no confirmed loss of property in the region. Firefighters, in recent days, have completed backburning and reinforced containment lines.

RFS members on standby at The Oaks RFS waiting to respond to spot fires in the area as bushfire burns in an inaccessible are. Picture: Richard Dobson

The RFS Southern Highlands Team posted on social media that bulldozers will be called on as part of the containment strategy.

Wollondilly Council has launched a mayoral relief fund to support residents impacted by the bushfire.

“The RFS and emergency services are our community’s first line of defence and we are incredibly grateful for their protection,” said Mayor Matthew Deeth.

The bushfire, which jumped Lake Burragorang, is burning on both sides of the lake about 15km southwest of Warragamba Dam.

The fire is at a Watch and Act alert level Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW

A sea of horse floats, trailers, and fire tankers rolled through the pot-holed roads as the Rural Fire Service issued an emergency warning on Thursday afternoon.

Residents who had not yet fled were urged to seek protection as the blaze entered in and out of an emergency warning level, with the manager of The Dome supermarket describing “chaotic” scenes.

“It has been very scary,” said Abdal Mohammad. “People have been rushing out of the area with their horse floats, buying lots of drinks and supplies. It has been crazy.”

Council has two water carts set up at the top of Avoca Rd, Silverdale and at Oakdale RFS station for anyone that isn’t on town water and needs some water to help protect their property if the fire comes out of the catchment. Picture: Facebook

Leigh Stanley has chosen to stay at his house but packed his dogs off to safety. Picture: Richard Dobson

Nattai’s Leigh Stanley, a resident from the village which has a single road in and out, had decided he was going to stay and fight to protect his home.

“Most of the older people have evacuated,” he said. “There is probably half a dozen of us left.”

With his dogs Jango and Dakota on their way to safety, Mr Stanley had set up hoses, buckets and food supplies in the emergency situation he got trapped by the blaze.

Firefighters struggled to get to the out-of-reach blaze at times, prioritising the protection of people and property.

Three firefighters were injured while battling the bushfire, airlifted out of the firey battleground and rushed to Bowral and Campbelltown hospitals.

Horse trainer Graham Daley, 75, has called his 65 acre Ridge Rd property in Oakdale home since 2004 and he was prepared to fight for his life’s work.

“I have one-, two-, seven-hose outlets, a pool, two tanks and a team of RFS firefighters on deck,” he said. “Sometimes you just have to leave it to the experts.”

Graham Daley prepares to defend his property. Picture: Richard Dobson

Fire crews at the scene of the Green Wattle Creek fire.

The sky at Nattai is thick with smoke. Picture: Richard Dobson

Waterbombing aircraft is helping firefighters trying to get the upper hand.

Wollondilly Deputy Mayor Matt Gould posted on Facebook earlier that residents could access emergency water from Oakdale RFS station and Avoca Rd, Silverdale.

The region was devastated by bushfires almost two decades ago, with more than a dozen properties were lost in the suburbs of Oakdale and Belimbla Park in 2001.

St Mark’s Anglican Church in Picton will hold a day of Prayer for Relief from Fire and Drought on Sunday.

To donate to the mayoral relief fund, visit wollondilly.nsw.gov.au. S

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