Update 2.44pm
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THE out-of-control bushfire at Bilpin has grown to 35 hectares in size, the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) says.
The blaze has forced the closure of Bells Line of Road has been closed between Kurrajong Heights Bowling Club and Johnsons Road.
“The fire is burning in very high fire danger conditions. Under these conditions, fires can be difficult to control,” the latest alert by the RFS states.
Update: 1.55pm
A 10 hectare bushfire is burning out-of-control at Bilpin in the Blue Mountains forcing the closure of the Bells Line of Road.
The blaze is burning near the Bells Line of Road, between Johnsons and Glenara roads.
The latest update from the NSW Rural Fire Service states that the fire is moving in an easterly direction fanned by strong winds.
“There are isolated properties in the area that are likely to come under threat over the coming hours,” it states.
Meanwhile, RTA Live Traffic said the road is closed in both directions, with eastbound motorists being diverted via the Darling Causeway and Great Western Highway.
Westbound motorists are advised to use the Great Western Highway.
Earlier 1.02pm
A WATCH and act alert has been issued for an out-of-control bushfire burning near at Bilpin in the Blue Mountains with motorists urged to exercise caution.
The blaze is burning near the Bells Line of Road, between Johnsons and Glenara roads.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website states that the fire is moving in an easterly direction fanned by strong winds.
“There are isolated properties in the area that are likely to come under threat over the coming hours,” the alert states.
“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.”
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.
- NSW Rural Fire Service alert
A total fire ban was declared for the region earlier on Tuesday due to a sever fire danger and warm, windy conditions.
The RFS warns that under severe fire conditions:
- Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety during a fire
- Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and remain vigilant
- Keep informed by listening to local radio, watching television news broadcasts and monitoring www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended during a total fire ban.
- READ MORE: Snow predicted for weekend in region
Gas and electric barbecues may be used provided certain conditions are met.
Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas are listed at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
As of 10.45am today, there are 60 bush and grass fire burning in NSW.
Information about fire activity is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.