UPDATE 6.53PM: The Wombeyan Caves and camping grounds are now closed following the threat of the 2200 hecatre (5436) fire in Bannaby.
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Those camping near the area, located about 20km from Taralga, have one hour to evacuate according to the NSW RFS.
Police are closing Wombeyan Caves Road at Taralga Rd and Highrange.
The caves and camping area will be closed for the “foreseeable future” until the fire has been contained, said NSW RFS operations officer Daniel Osborne.
There is a high probability it will cross Guineacor Creek within the next 48 hours and enter the Wingecarribee Shire with further potential to move toward the Canyonleigh area.
The fire took a run south and has grown about 400ha over this afternoon.
The fire remains out of control hugging Bannaby and New Foundland Road, and inching closer towards Mares Forest National Park.
Temperatures reached a sizzling 35 degrees Celcius today according to Weatherzone, with showers forecasted later tonight and tomorrow.
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
More to come.
UPDATE 4.20PM: The north eastern section of the fire in Bannaby has increased in intensity, according to reports by the NSW RFS, and is burning in a northern direction.
NSW RFS has announced the alert level to Watch and Act.
The fire is burning approximately five kilometers north east of Taralga and north of Newfoundland Road.
NSW RFS say the fire will continue to burn in Alders and Crees Road, Bannaby Road, Newfoundland Road and Old Showground Road.
A number of sport fire have also sparked up.
Aircrafts and ground crew have began targeted property protection.
Operational officer Daniel Osborne said residents should be prepared, and only defend their property if they are able to.
Firefighters from the Windellama and Gunning stations will arrive shortly to support crew on the ground.
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
More to come.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) are establishing containment lines for the Bannaby Fire near Taralga as a fourth day of out of control bushfires continue.
The fire, burning about 10km from the township, rose from 1276 hectares (3153 acres) to 1884 hectares (4655) from yesterday.
Bannaby and Newfoundland Road remains a hot spot for the fire.
NSW RFS operational officer Daniel Osborne said the township’s water supply is at a low as semi trailers filled with water continue to be deployed to target areas.
Property protection will continue to be carried out this morning as forecasted northwesterly winds is expected to put pressure on the eastern containment line.
Mr Osborne cited temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius and a decrease of humidity may increase fire activity.
Upwards of 99 firefighters from the NSW RFS and the National Parks will be supported by nine aircrafts and four heavy machines.
Mr Osborne said residents in the surrounding areas have followed advice issued by emergency services making “their job a lot easier”.
“The community as a whole have supported us greatly with food and other consumables,” he said, extending his thanks on behalf of the volunteers.
A rural liaison officer will continue in the Taralga Memorial Hall for those seeking advice.
Mr Osborne said road closures are expected to be enacted if the number of spectators near the scene continue.
This morning, the Upper Lachlan Shire Council (ULSC) coordinated the multi-agency response committee with NSW RFS staff.
The council have machinery, material and staff on standby.
“Council have been coordinating efforts across other agencies to provide help and support to the RFS while they’re fighting the fires,” ULSC director of works and operations Murslaeen Shah said.
The status of the fire remains out of control.
A severe fire warning has been issued for the district.
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.
