NSW: First bushfire of the season
26 Dec 2008 2:27 PM
SYDNEY, Dec 26 AAP - Rural firefighters are working to contain the first bushfire of the season near Naradhan in western NSW.
The blaze, near Wyalong, has been declared a fire emergency, meaning extra resources are available.
The fire started on Thursday afternoon during a lightning storm and has since burnt through approximately 1500 hectares of bushland.
It is currently burning in difficult terrain and there is no property under threat at this stage, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) said in a statement.
About 20 RFS volunteers are currently working on the fire, assisted by five fixed-wing aircraft which are dropping fire retardant and carrying out reconnaissance runs.
Firefighters are working to firm up containment lines today, particularly on the western side of the fire.
Temperatures in the area are forecast to reach the mid-to-high 30s on Friday, with humidity between 10 and 20 per cent and winds gusting at up to 25km/h.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons thanked volunteers for their hard work over the past three days.
"Many of these volunteers have given up Christmas with their family and friends to assist in the firefighting effort," he said.
"They are working in hot, dry and difficult conditions and it's a testament to their commitment and dedication."
He said while much of the state has enjoyed relatively mild conditions over the past few weeks, the fire was a timely reminder for the community not to become complacent.
"This is a reminder for everyone that bushfire season is well and truly here," he said.
"While conditions have been quite mild across many parts of the state in recent weeks, it only takes the onset of hot, dry and windy weather for the situation to change."
