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Major Fire Updates

Advice: Caneens Gap Trail and Kenelea Rd Fires (Upper Hunter LGA) - Monitor Conditions - Rouchel village and surrounds 30/11/2025 17:27

Posted: 30/11/2025 17:27

Fires are burning in the Rouchel area. The fires are burning north east of Rouchel village and are burning in a south easterly direction towards Caneens Gap Trail and Upper Rouchel Road.

Firefighters and waterbombing aircraft are working to control these fires.

Current Situation

Caneens Gap Trail

  • A fire is burning in inaccessible terrain approximately 20km north-east of Rouchel village and is burning in all directions.
  • The fire is currently 80 hectares in size and is being controlled.
  • Weather conditions are forecast to remain similar tomorrow. This will continue to push the fire in a south easterly direction towards the Caneens Gap Trail.
  • Caneens Gap Trail remains open, however, people should avoid the area for their own safety and that of firefighters working in the vicinity.

Kenelea Rd Fire

  • The fire is burning in bush land approximately 5km north-east of Rouchel village, and 12km east of Glenbawn Dam has been contained.
  • Crews assisted by heavy machinery will continue to work on the fireground to strengthen containment lines.
  • People in the vicinity may notice small pockets of bushland continue to burn within containment lines over coming days and weeks.
  • This will be the final update for the Kenelea Rd fire.

What you need to do

  • 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).

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.

The next update on this fire will be issued by 01/12/2025 09:00 or if the situation changes.