Sandy Creek 55 kilometres east of Armidale was the site a 'suspicious' bush fire which was burning near the Waterfall Way, Wollomombi. The fire burnt out more than 310 hectares and is now under control. Firefighters, supported by heavy plant and water bombing aircraft have now contained the fire.
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This week the fire is contained but the final burn line is being used as a strike team, goes along the containment line, entering into the burn area for approximately 30 metres, spraying smoking timber, to prevent embers responding to wind and commencing another out of control fire.
The forecast is for more moderate weather conditions over coming days, with higher humidity and light winds. This will assist firefighters in keeping the fire contained.
Motorists on Waterfall Way found road closures inconvenient, especially when the view was the fire, was contained however, as a falling tree recently crushed an RFS vehicle in Drake reminds everyone that trees fall and where they land is unpredictable, dangerous and has resulted in death. The work of "mopping up" begins. So how do you mop up a national park?
Strike teams in all the national park fires in the new England area are determined to find smoking embers and put them out. This takes time, effort and resources. Large trees partially burnt out are flagged for chain saw removal and this dangerous work often includes road closures. The safety of the teams is crucial in this continue fire prevention work as the national park continues to burn and timber is felled.
