NSW: Firefighters set to take advantage of cooler weather

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2009
NSW: Firefighters set to take advantage of cooler weather

SYDNEY, Dec 11 AAP - Firefighters will take advantage of cooler temperatures over the
weekend to strengthen containment lines around bushfires burning across NSW.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has issued a total fire ban until midnight on Saturday
for the North Western and Upper Central West Plains, where temperatures are expected to
reach the mid 30s.

Firefighters on Friday battled almost 100 fires around the state, RFS spokesman Anthony
Clark said.

Blazes threatened isolated rural properties near Bundarra, in the New England area
and aircraft have been supporting firefighters on the ground.

Residents are advised to be aware of the situation and prepare their properties in
case conditions worsen.

Firefighters are also battling a new blaze in the Grose Valley, west of Hawkesbury
Heights in the Blue Mountains but there was no threat to properties on Friday afternoon.

NSW Fire Brigades Superintendent Ian Krimmer said a grass fire was burning off Anzac
Parade, Malabar, in Sydney's south but no properties were under threat.

Mr Clark said firefighters were expecting to get some respite over the weekend, with
cooler conditions on the way.

"The conditions are expected to remain relatively benign for the next few days," Mr
Clark told AAP.

"It means that we can concentrate on containment strategies, putting in containment
lines, whether it's backburning or using crews to construct containment lines or using
machinery."

Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan said farmers affected by a bushfire near Cootamundra
on Tuesday can apply for Agricultural Natural Disaster Assistance.

The bushfire destroyed more than 1,200 hectares of wheat, 3,000 hectares of pasture,
a forestry plantation and more than 1,000 head of livestock were lost.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Cootamundra in the wake of this fire which will
cause heartbreak and hardship to many families," Mr Whan said in a statement.

The assistance consists of loans of up to $130,000, at 2.56 per cent interest per annum
with a two year interest and payment free period to repair or replace property or infrastructure.

For information call the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or the NSW Drought
hotline on 1800 814 647.

AAP sg/evt/mmr

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW WRAP

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