Major Fire Updates
Advice: Milsons Gully Fire (Upper Hunter LGA) - Monitor Conditions - Merriwa River valley 01/12/2025 16:57
Advice: Milsons Gully Fire (Upper Hunter LGA) - Monitor Conditions - Merriwa River valleyPosted: 01/12/2025 16:57
There is a bush fire burning in the Goulburn River National Park in the Merriwa River valley area.
The fire is currently more than 2100 hectares in size and is not yet controlled.
If you are in the areas of Merriwa River valley, Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek, Gungal or Worondi Creek Road, monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes.
Current Situation
- The fire is burning in the area of Merriwa River valley and is burning in an easterly direction towards the Golden Highway. The fire has spotted across the Merriwa River.
- The fire may impact on properties in the Merriwa River valley area.
- Embers may be blown ahead of the main fire front. These may start spot fires which may threaten your home earlier than the main fire front.
- Firefighters and waterbombing aircraft are working in the area.
- People are urged to avoid entering the Goulburn River National Park.
What you need to do
Merriwa River valley
- If you are in the Merriwa River valley, monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes.
- 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 planned to visit the area, or live in the area but are away from home, it is not safe to return.
Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek, Gungal and Worondi Creek Road
- If you are in the Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek, Gungal and Worondi Creek Road areas, monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes. Know what you will do if the situation changes.
- Under forecast weather conditions tomorrow, the fire may impact on properties in Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek, Gungal and Worondi Creek Road areas.
- 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).
Community Information
A Bush Fire Information Point will be setup at the following location:
- Merriwa RSL Lounge, 120-124 Bettington Streert, Merriwa, from 2pm to 6pm today Monday 1 December.
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.
- For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.
- Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.
- For information on temporary school closures in your area, check [School Operational Status]( https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety).
