Scenic World under firefighter protection

The Blue Mountains’ iconic tourist attraction, Scenic World, is under the protection of firefighters as strong winds continue to burn towards the Katoomba and Leura areas.

The Blue Mountains’ iconic tourist attraction, Scenic World, is under the protection of firefighters as strong winds continue to burn south towards the Katoomba and Leura areas. View from Echo Point. Picture: Isabell Petrinic

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A bushfire burning south of Katoomba, at the Ruined Castle, has grown and emergency services are warning the 663-hectare blaze is expected to reach the Cliff Drive area today.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FNSW) crews are setting up at Scenic World to protect the cableway, railway and on-site buildings.

“We’ve got about 20 personnel at Scenic World,” the Blue Mountains Duty Commander of FNSW, Acting Inspector Bruce Cameron, told The Blue Mountains News.

The Scenic Skyway gives you views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley.

Personnel manning surrounding closed-off roads are saying Scenic World is under “defend” while tourists in nearby Leura Cascades picnic area continue enjoying themselves.

Fanned by hot westerly winds, the fire in Jamison Valley is spreading in a northerly direction towards Cliff Drive. Firefighters and aircrafts have been working to slow the spread.

“If you are in the area of Cliff Drive at Katoomba, monitor conditions,” the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website advises. “Be ready to take action as the fire approaches, such as monitoring for spot fires.”

A reader last night captured this picture of the flames from the then 392ha Ruined Castle grass fire. It was taken from Cliff Drive, Katoomba.

Cliff Drive is currently closed between Acacia Street and Peckmans Road and people are being asked to follow the directions of firefighters in the area.

There are currently 116 bush and grass fires burning across NSW, with one at emergency level.