A number of lightning strikes on Monday afternoon broke a quiet run for Cudgegong Rural Fire Service District brigades, but the accompanying rain assisted.
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All fires that were sparked around Mudgee were put out, with the first rainfall the area has received in a week helping crews gain the upper hand.
The Cudgegong district had been fortunate in recent weeks to get through dry spell – which saw a string of total fire bans - without any major incidents.
However, there’s been plenty of reminders that it’s definitely fire season.
Areas of the Mid-Western Region woke up on Monday to the smell of smoke from the bush fire burning in the Wollemi National Park and Putty State Forest area.
As of Tuesday it had burned over 18,500Ha and not under control. Overnight rain in some areas saw backburning suspended and crews removed from the fire ground.
Easterly winds in the morning have been bringing in the smoke into the local region a number of times during the last week.
Last weekend members of the Cudgegong RAFT (Remote Area Firefighting Team, who are specially trained to fight fires in rugged or difficult terrain where tankers are not able to access) were deployed to the Wolgan Valley Fire in the Lithgow area. It was brought under control, having burned 29Ha in tricky terrain.
Residents are reminded to call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire.
If you live in a bush fire prone area monitor the NSW RFS’ Fires Near Me for information. In the event of a fire listen to your local radio station or call the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
