UPDATE 7.50PM, January 21: New intelligence gained by NSW RFS has suggested the bushfire burning in Bannaby will continue to grow.
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The fire warning for Taralga has transitioned from Watch and Act to Advice following an unpredictable north westerly wind late this afternoon.
Spot fires linked up on the north-western side of the fire, burning about 10km near Taralga.
The fire continues to sit at about 1276 hectares (3153 acres).
Operational officer Daniel Osborne told The Post there was no current threat to any property, however he advised residents to continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Tonight’s crews will focus on the south eastern corner of the fire near Newfoundland Road which is still active,” he said.
This comes ahead of tomorrow’s forecast of north westerly winds which is expected to put pressure on the area.
Nine aircrafts will compliment numerous field crews ahead of tomorrow’s high temperatures.
This marks the third day of the bushfire, with crews expected to work overnight to contain strategic areas.
If life is at risk, residents should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
More to come
UPDATE 12.57PM, January 21: A north-easterly wind change is predicted to do more harm than good for the fire in Bannaby, according to NSW RFS operational officer for the Southern Tablelands, Daniel Osborne.
The wind, which is predicted to increase from now up until 3pm, “may have a different impact” to the fire that has not progressed in size since about 11am.
NSW RFS have received only a couple of reports of sheds lost in the fire. So far, there have been no reports on damages to dwelling or stock.
Mr Osborne said there were a few sightseers near the fire, and advised individuals to say away if possible.
“There are aircrafts moving overhead, the less people out there, the better – especially for the grounds crew,” he said.
Upper Lachlan Shire staff will soon arrive to erect warning signs and enforce lower speed limits.
The status of the Long Gully Road fire is still out of control.
A total fire ban has been issued for the Southern Tableland region.
If life is at risk, residents should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
To keep up to date with information and alerts, head to the Fires Near Me website.
More to come.
UPDATE 11.20AM, January 21: It’s all hands on deck as NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews continue to fight the Bannaby bushfire north-east of Taralga.
According to NSW RFS reports at 10am this morning, the fire – near Bannaby and Newfoundland roads – has burnt through about 1276 hectares (3153 acres).
There is no immediate threat to properties so far as the fire remains out of control.
NSW RFS operational officer for the Southern Tablelands, Daniel Osborne, said the fire did not decrease until 5am this morning with crews able to directly attack the flames.
“If these conditions come to fruition, it will put pressure on the southern end of the fire. That is what the crews are focusing on this morning,” he said.
He said crews have drawn fall back lines in the event the fire crosses Bannaby Road.
“The main focus of the day is to try to keep the fire north of Bannaby Road,” he said.
Taralga resident and Fairfax Media advertising manager Rosey Stronach described the bushfire as "bloody terrifying".
Saturday was a "bad day, fighting to save my mother-in-law's house" on a neighbouring allotment.
The house was saved, but Ms Stronach's husband’s family property lost about 12 hectares (30 acres) to the flames, though no livestock.
As a precaution earlier on, she had evacuated their young son to safety with friends elsewhere in Taralga.
Water-bombing helicopters were refilling from the property’s dams all day, and a plane dropped 40,000 litres of fire retardant, she said.
"So much smoke," she said, "and continual spot fires from flying embers," which her husband had spent hours putting out.
"Bloody terrifying," she said.
The area is expecting temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius and 30-kilometre winds on Sunday, "so fingers crossed," she said.
Two heavy plant machines are working to strengthen containment lines and protection measures.
Crews continue to offer residents property protection and will be assisted by seven aircraft throughout the day.
A bushfire information point has been established in Taralga Memorial Hall for residents.
A NSW RFS community liaison officer will also be present to advise the public until the threat reduces.
Residents from Goulburn and surrounding areas have banded together to donate food and drinks to the NSW RFS crew.
“Thank you so much to everyone that has donated food and drinks for our awesome firefighters working hard in Taralga. We currently have two full SUV cars worth, with more still coming,” one person published on social media this morning.
NSW RFS will release a Watch and Act warning to the public if the fire activity continues.
“The advice to residents in the immediate vicinity of Bannaby and Newfoundland Road is to enact their bushfire survival plan. If you can’t protect your home leave early, that is always the safest option,” he said.
He advised residents in surrounding towns to expect large amounts of smoke.
The fire began on the night of January 19.
If life is at risk, residents should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- More information can be found on the NSW RFS Fires Near Me website.
More to come.
