Firefighters work to contain grassfire near Eatonsville

AN OUT-of-control grassfire closed the Gwydir Highway near Eatonsville last night with firefighters responding to the blaze that is threatening property

An out-of-control grassfire threatened property and closed the Gwydir Highway near Eatonsville.. Picture: Leisa Stout

FIREFIGHTERS are still working to control a blaze that closed the Gwydir Highway has been closed in both directions, and threatened a number of properties near Eatonsville and Ramornie.

The fire is around 388ha in size, with 14 Rural Fire Service crews, along with four Fire and Rescue NSW crews and a fixed-wing waterbomber battling the blaze has jumped the highway last night.

The fire is burning in an easterly direction along the Gwydir Highway towards Tindal Rd, which is where the highway has been closed.

Traffic is being diverted near Tindal Rd on the Gwydir Highway with an out-of-control grassfire burning in the area. Picture: Jarrard Potter

RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd said the fire is now under watch and act, and property owners near the area need to follow the advice of firefighters and enact their bushfire survival plan.

"Some residents have relocated from the area, with the fixed-wing bomber trying to slow the head of the fire," Insp Shepherd said.

"The fire is still moving relatively quickly, with further crews mobilised from the Mid North Coast to assist in controlling the blaze.

"We should see winds easing in the evening but we've still got a few hours to go yet."

Insp Shepherd said properties between Tindal and Eldon Rds on the eastern side of the Gwydir Hwy could be under threat, with ground crews still assessing the threat on the northern side of the road.

A plume of smoke from a fire near the Gwydir Highway.

Residents in the area are advised to follow their bushfire survival plan, and Insp Shepherd said if anyone is planning on relocating to do so before any fire reaches their property.

The RFS has issued a warning and said the fire is burning in very high fire danger conditions.

Under these conditions, fires can be difficult to control. Embers may be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires. These spot fires may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front. 

Advice

• If you are in the area, put your Bush Fire Survival Plan into action NOW.
• If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.
• Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.

Other Information

• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
• If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
• For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.

Originally published as Firefighters work to contain grassfire near Eatonsville