It’s hoped that work at the Kains Flat fire on Thursday – with ground and air crews carrying out back burning – will have it contained.
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Favourable conditions allowed firefighters to work to construct and strengthen containment lines.
As of the time of print the fire was at 6040 hectares in size and being controlled.
The people working on the fire throughout the day totaled 126, with 40 trucks, seven aircraft, and five heavy plant.
RFS public liaison officer, Daniel Gordon, said on Thursday, “we’re aiming today to have the fire contained and this back burning is essential to that”.
“Today at Kains Flat we’re working to strengthen and establish containment lines around the fire, primarily focused on the south western area around White Cedars Road and the south eastern section of Kains Flat Road and Powerline Easement Road,” he said.
“We’re doing that by undertaking back burning, using aircraft for support and aerial incendiaries working in conjunction with ground crews.”
The Crudine Road fire in Ilford started late on Tuesday afternoon and as of Thursday had burned 311 hectares.
Mr Gordon said that the added RFS presence in the local area meant that they were able to really get on top early.
“Crews have established containments around this fire and are patrolling it to ensure that it stays inactive and behind containment lines,” he said.
“The crews worked hard on Tuesday afternoon when it first started, overnight and into Wednesday to establish containment around the fire.”
He added that they’ll remain focused on the area today and over the weekend with less than favourable conditions still ahead.
“The next three to four days are going to be ‘Very High’ fire danger days, with the potential for thunderstorms,” he said.
“So we’re going to be using heavy weight of attack on any fires that crop up.”
A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Central Ranges, which includes the Mid-Western Region, for Friday.
Residents of bush fire prone areas should follow their Bush Fire Survival Plan and remain vigilant.
No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended.
Gas and electric barbecues may be used provided certain conditions are met.
Rules and maps are at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.