Major Fire Updates

Current Situation

• The fire is moving in a southerly direction towards Bylong Valley Way and impacting on homes and properties in the areas of Baerami, Baerami Creek, Widden, Yarrawa and Kerrabee.
• The fire has crossed the Goulburn River and is burning in an east-southeasterly direction towards the intersection of Baerami Creek Road and the Bylong Valley Way.
• An approaching storm will bring erratic winds and could see the fire burn in multiple directions.
• Embers will be blown long distances ahead of the main fire front starting spot fires, these may impact your home earlier than the main fire front.
• Firefighters and waterbombing aircraft are working in the area to slow the spread of the fire.

What you need to do

Baerami, Baerami Creek, Widden, Yarrawa and Kerrabee

• If you have not left the areas of Baerami, Baerami Creek, Widden, Yarrawa and Kerrabee, your life is at risk. It is too late to leave.
• If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
• If you are caught in the path of the fire, you may die or be injured.
• Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Wear protective clothing and footwear. Cover all bare skin.
• A safer location may include a well cleared area nearby. Neighbourhood safer places offer a place of last resort if there are no other options.
• If you planned to visit the area or live in the area but are away from home, it is not safe to return.

Worondi Creek Rd

• People in the Worondi Creek Road aera should prepare now.
• If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving early is the safest option.
• Fire may impact on your property. Make your final preparations now.
• Fill buckets, sinks and bath tubs with water ready to put out spot fires
• Block downpipes and fill your gutters with water to help stop burning embers. Do not get on the roof.
• Remove items which can burn from around your home, such as furniture and door mats.
• If you have firefighting equipment, get it ready now.
• Put on protective clothing made of natural fibres that covers all of your skin. Wear sturdy shoes. Have plenty of drinking water available.

Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek and Gungal

• People in the Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek and Gungal monitor conditions
• Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
• Watch out for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
• This means looking out for burning embers, changes in wind direction and smoke. Watch for signs of fire in your area.
• Know what you will do if the fire impacts on where you are. Identify a safer location in case the situation changes. This may include a well cleared area or a solid structure such as a home.
• If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving early is the safest option.

If you are threatened by fire

• If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
• Bring pets indoors and restrain them, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners, keep water running if possible.
• Shelter in a room on the other side of the building from the approaching fire, and one that has water and a clear exit out of the house.
• Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers and turn sprinklers on if you have them.
• Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).

Evacuation centres

• If you need to evacuate, it is best to stay with friends or family. If this is not an option, evacuation centres are listed below.
• People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.
• Evacuation centres are being opened to affected community members in the following locations:

Merriwa

• Merriwa RSL Club (120-126 Bettington St, Merriwa) will be open from 10am today, Saturday 6 December for people.
• Merriwa Showground (Dutton St, Merriwa) is open for cattle/horses/small ruminants/poultry and domestic dogs/cats. Please provide water buckets/troughs in addition to feed. Please ensure domestic dogs/cats are secured in crates/carriers.

Denman

• Denman RSL Club (cnr Paxton St and Isobel St, Denman) will be open from 10am today, Saturday 6 December for people. The club is unable to take companion animals.
• Denman Pony Club (20 Bell Street Denman) is open now, only suitable for horses or cattle. Please provide water buckets/troughs in addition to feed and note there is minimal shade.

Road Closures

• Bylong Valley Road is closed to all traffic between Sandy Hollow to Bylong Village.
• Major roads, including the Golden Highway, may close at short notice due to smoke or fire impact. Avoid the area and find an alternate route. Leaving early is your safest option.
• For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.

Other Information

• Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
• If you have a respiratory condition and may be affected by smoke, activate your health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.
• Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.
• For information on temporary school closures in your area, check School Operational Status.

The next update on this fire will be issued by 06/12/2025 18:30 or if the situation changes.