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Major Fire Updates

Advice: Milsons Gully Fire (Upper Hunter LGA) - Reduced Threat - Baerami 05/12/2025 17:59

Posted: 05/12/2025 17:59

There is a bush fire burning in the Goulburn River National Park in the Merriwa River valley area.

The fire is currently more than 7,139 hectares in size and is being controlled.

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded to Advice as conditions on the fireground ease.

Current Situation

  • The fire is burning in the Merriwa River valley area and is burning in a southeasterly direction towards the Golden Highway and Bylong Valley Way.
  • As conditions ease, firefighters, machinery and aircraft will work overnight to strengthen containment lines ahead of deteriorating conditions tomorrow, Saturday 6 December.
  • Major roads, including Bylong Valley Way and 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.
  • Firefighters, with support of waterbombing aircraft and heavy machinery, will continue to focus efforts on the east and south east edges of the fire, particularly around areas of property protection lines.

What you need to do

  • If you are in the areas of Baerami, Merriwa River valley, Worondi Creek Road, Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek and Gungal, stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
  • If you stayed to defend your property monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers.
  • Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.
  • Tomorrow, Saturday 6 December, will see hot and windy weather, Extreme fire danger and a Total Fire Ban for the area. Fire activity is likely to increase tomorrow - residents should be prepared to take action.
  • 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 tomorrow 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 tomorrow 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.

Community Information

A community meeting has been scheduled at the following location:

  • Merriwa School of Arts, 15 Bow St, Merriwa at 7.30pm to 8pm today, Friday 6 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).

The next update on this fire will be issued by 06/12/2025 08:00 or if the situation changes.