NPWS remote fire crews gain the upper hand

Media release: 11 November 2014

Seven of the eight fires which started last week in remote areas of Wollemi, Goulburn River and Gardens of Stone national parks, have been extinguished by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

NPWS Area Manager David Crust said the fires were a result of several dry lightning storms across the region late last week.

“Fire-fighting crews are working hard to put out the remaining fire at Blackwater, near Widden Valley.

“The Blackwater fire – which is located in extremely rugged terrain and has affected more than 800ha – has been contained using remote fire crews, who have constructed a series of helipads around the perimeter,” Mr Crust said.

“Teams have been patrolling the 19km perimeter of the fire ground, winching into hotspots from helicopters and putting out burning trees and logs.

Yesterday afternoon (Monday), all resources from the Blackwater fire responded to a new fire in Goulburn River National Park at the Spring Gully camping area near Wollar (the result of an unattended camp fire) renewing calls for park visitors to adhere to park fire bans and total fire bans.

“RFS and NPWS crews worked together last night with fixed wing water bombers and helicopters to contain the fire,” Mr Crust said.
“The fire was quite intense and it was a great effort by the crews to contain it to a small area. 

“NPWS is working today to mop up the fire edge before forecast hot dry windy weather on Friday.

“There has been a park fire ban in place for Goulburn River National Park for the past two weeks due to extremely dry conditions across the whole of the park; signs and public notices have been in place for over a week.

“Park visitors are reminded that it is illegal and irresponsible to have a fire in a park during periods of fire ban declaration and significant penalties apply.”

Contact: Susie Summers