Air quality in Orange was markedly better on Thursday morning despite out-of-control bushfires continuing to rage in some parts of the Central Tablelands.
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There are more than 100 fires burning across NSW and strong winds continue to push smoke across the region.
On Thursday morning the Air Quality Index sat at 171 for Orange, which is below the hazardous mark of 200, on the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) website.
Bathurst's AQI was at 444, which is more than double the baseline hazardous mark.
At this level, the DPIE said everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease, should avoid outdoor exertion and stay inside as much as possible.
"If you have symptoms rest and use your reliever medicine," the warning states.
"If symptoms persist, seek medical advice."
Meanwhile, dangerous fire conditions have resulted in the NSW Rural Fire Service warning people that the out-of-control Gospers Mountain and Green Wattle Creek bushfires may spread.
Currently the 411,925 hectare Gospers Mountain fire is listed at 'watch and act', while the Green Wattle Creek bushfire is 152,599 and at advice level.
Stay up-to-date with fires in your area at Fires Near Me.
Current situation and advice - Gospers Mountain bushfire
Extreme fire danger is forecast for this fireground on Thursday.
Conditions will be dangerous due to high temperatures, strong and gusty winds and low humidity.
This potential fire spread prediction map shows the communities that may come under threat from embers or fire fronts. Conditions are then forecast to worsen again on Saturday.
Dargan area
- There was an increase in fire activity in the area yesterday afternoon.
- Fire activity has eased overnight.
- Monitor the changing conditions. Know what you will do if the fire approaches.
- If your plan is to leave or you are not prepared, leave if the path is clear.
- Take advice from firefighters on the ground.
Clarence area
- Monitor the changing conditions. Know what you will do if the fire approaches.
- If your plan is to leave or you are not prepared, leaving early is the safety option.
- Take advice from firefighters on the ground.
Mt Lagoon, Bilpin, Mt Irvine, Mt Wilson, Berambing and Mt Tomah areas along the Bells Line of Road
- The fire continues to burn on both sides of the Bells Line of Road, and is now burning in the Grose Valley.
- Fire activity is moderating and there is no immediate threat to property.
- On Sunday, fire activity increased with the fire jumping Mt Wilson Road and impacting the Berambing and Mt Tomah area.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Take advice from firefighters working in the area.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Wallerawang, Lidsdale and Blackmans Flat areas
- Fire activity is increasing in the Wallerawang area, on the southern side of the fire.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change. Know what you will do if fire threatens.
Angus Place and Wolgan areas
- The fire has crossed Wolgan Road and is burning in the Ben Bullen State Forest.
- The fire has crossed Wolgen Valley and is spreading towards Cullen Bullen.
- If you are in the Wolgan Valley area, continue to monitor conditions, and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Bell and Newnes Junction
- The fire continues to burn approximately 6km north of these areas.
- Backburning operations continue ahead of the main fire front, between the area of Bell and Newnes Junction. Continue to monitor conditions.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Glen Davis, Glen Alice and Bogee areas
- Fire continues to burn in a westerly direction within the Wollomi National Park.
- Continue to monitor conditions, and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Putty area
- There is active fire on the north western side of the village.
- Continue to monitor conditions, and know what you will do if the fire threatens.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Colo, Upper Colo and Colo Heights areas
- The fire has passed through these areas.
- Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan. Leaving early is your safest option.
Kurrajong, Kurrajong Heights and Bowen Mountain area
- The fire is moving east towards Kurrajong.
- The fire is approximately 20km west of the Kurrajong area.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Ensure that your property is well prepared.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Lower Macdonald, Upper Macdonald and Perrys Crossing area
- Fire has passed through this area.
- Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.
- Monitor conditions and be ready to take action.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
- If your plan is to leave or you are not prepared, leave early.
Mogo Creek, Fernances, Bucketty areas
- Backburning operations continue in this area.
- Crews continue to patrol and monitor the area.
- Continue to monitor conditions.
- Be ready to take action in case conditions change.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan. Leaving early is your safest option.
Road Closures
- Bells Line of Road is closed at the Skyline Road intersection.
- Wollombi Road is closed.
- Skyline Road is still closed until further notice.
- Due to operational activity there will be no access to Valley Ridges Road and Ghost Hill Road. These two roads will be reassessed on today.
- Putty Road is closed between south of Long Weeney Creek Trail and Milbrodale Road.
- Comleroy Road is closed at Warrigal Road, Kurrajong.
- Drift / State Mine Gully Road is closed.
- Old Bells Line of Road / Clarence Road is closed.
- Blackfellows Hands Trail is closed.
- Check www.livetraffic.com for road information.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
