NSW bushfires: Bilpin Fruit Bowl running business in ghost town

A family-owned shop and orchard on desolate Bells Line of Road reopened their doors today hoping for some foot traffic, as fire continues ravaging areas along the Bells Line of Road.

Bilpin Fruit Bowl owner Simon Tadrosse says they have experienced a 90 percent downturn in business, "if not more".

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BILPIN Fruit Bowl is running its business from a ghost town.

The family-owned shop and orchard on desolate Bells Line of Road reopened their doors today hoping for some foot traffic, even as other businesses on the Richmond side of bushfire road closures remain shut.

“Business is down 90 per cent (since the bushfires), if not more,” owner Simon Tadrosse said. “We probably won’t make any money today, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

Bilpin Fruit Bowl owner Simon Tadrosse says they are “generally very, very busy this time of year”. Picture: Isabell Petrinic

Bilpin Fruit Bowl stocks local honey, local home made jams, souvenirs, pottery, fresh fruit and seasonal summer fruits. Picture: Isabell Petrinic

So far his fruits are “safe and healthy”, but the business which grows fruit you can pick in season — apples, pears, stone fruit and more — relies heavily on the passing trade.

“If the fires do come up through the Grose and the embers get onto the netting, that’s a major concern.”

He, along with other businesses, shut their doors yesterday as fire ramped up in Mt Lagoon, Bilpin, Mt Irvine, Mt Wilson, Berambing and Mt Tomah areas along the Bells Line of Road.

The Pines Orchard, across the road, remains closed although there is a steady flow of people using their toilets. Pie in the Sky Roadhouse, popular among motorcyclists, is another business that’s not open.

Bilpin Fruit Bowl barista Sandra Stajic serving coffee. Picture: Isabell Petrinic

Bilpin Fruit Bowl bakes all of its apple pies, meat pies, cakes, scones and slices on the premises. Picture: Isabell Petrinic

Except for a steady flow of fire trucks rumbling along normally busy Bells Line of Road and helicopters circling overhead, the road is quiet in both directions today — until you hit Kurrajong, where it’s business as usual.

Passers-by have expressed their gratitude to Bilpin Fruit Bowl staff for opening today, including local firies en route to the fires which continue to burn on multiple fronts.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill encouraged visitors to keep backing local businesses.

Bilpin Fruit Bowl at 2093 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin.

The Pines Orchard is among businesses that are closed along Bells Line of Road, Bilpin. Picture: Isabell Petrinic

“Obviously visitors need to take notice of what emergency services are saying before visiting areas that may be impacted by fire; it is prudent common sense,” Mr Greenhill said.

“That said, the Blue Mountains needs our visitors and I recall after we had the 2013 fires the economic impact that followed.

“Consult the advisories, of course. If the advice supports it and you love the Blue Mountains, come and see us and back our local businesses.”