Major Fire Updates

Current Situation

• The fire is burning in Goulburn River National Park near the Bylong Valley Way and is close to properties in the areas of Flags Road, Worondi Creek Road, Baerami, Baerami Creek, Widden, Yarrawa and Kerrabee.
• 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 with the support of waterbombing aircraft and heavy machinery will continue working to strengthen containment lines.
• Bylong Valley Way is closed to all traffic due to the increased fire and operational activity.
• The Golden Highway is not under threat, however, if conditions change, it may close at short notice.
• Thunderstorms may become severe, damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall possible on Wednesday, and heavy rainfall possible on Thursday.

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).

Community meetings

• Community meetings will be held tonight in the following locations:
• Merriwa Showground, Dutton Street, Merriwa – 5pm
• Gungal, Worondi Rural Fire Brigade Station, Golden Highway, Gungal – 5pm

Evacuation centres

• All evacuation centres are now closed.
• If you need to evacuate, it is best to stay with friends or family.
• Animal safer places are open in the following locations:

Merriwa

• 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 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.

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.
• For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.
• 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 advice, check NSW Health - Protect yourself from bushfire smoke
• 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 10/12/2025 09:00 or if the situation changes.