Erindale College in Canberra is acting as an evacuation centre. It can hold up to 1500 people and the ADF is already in place. But it it not set up for overnight accommodation – instead, it is giving people a reprieve from the smoke and fire at the southern Canberra border, with local hotels stepping in to provide any overnight stays which may be necessary.
The fires at the ACT border have a lot of people – who still hold the memory of 2003 – very nervous.
Christopher Knaus
(@knausc)It’s calm now at Laurence Cowie’s property. Everything around us is scorched. Laurence says 120 hay bales he needs to feed his starving animals are gone. “I’ve been stockpiling to save starving animals,” he says “Now I’ve got starving animals and no feed.” #bushfires @AmyRemeikis pic.twitter.com/vIdYmy9Yb4
VicEmergency has updated its warning for Cape Conran and Marlo Plains.
It has been changed to a Watch and Act.
VicEmergency
(@vicemergency)***This WATCH & ACT message replaces the Emergency Warning issued at 3:44pm***
This WATCH & ACT message is being issued for Cape Conran and Marlo Plains. The bushfire at Cape Conran is not yet under control.
More conditions here https://t.co/ffLfErmCBH pic.twitter.com/nINofNlOyU
A very big thank you to Lisa Cox for all her work today. And to everyone who is out covering today’s fire emergency.
You have Amy Remeikis for the rest of the evening.
Here is the latest from the NSW RFS on fire conditions expected on Sunday. There are no total fire bans anywhere in the state. Very high fire danger is forecast for seven areas, including Greater Sydney, the Greater Hunter and Illawarra/Shoalhaven.
NSW RFS
(@NSWRFS)Tomorrow, Sunday 2 February, there are no Total Fire Bans in place.
Very High Fire Danger is expected for 7 areas: North Coast, Gtr Hunter, Gtr Sydney, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes & North Western.
Fore more: https://t.co/fpZQ7vVJzk#nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/Gj4doT8Y6h
Summary
Here is a wrap of the current fire conditions:
Five fires in NSW are at emergency warning level:
- The Clear Range fire remains at emergency warning level. People in Michelago, Colinton and Bredbo should seek shelter, it is too late to leave. There is a threat to lives and property. If you are from these areas and are away, you are advised not to return at present.
- This fire is spreading quickly in a south-easterly direction. People should be aware of ember attacks. Embers may blow ahead of the main front and start new fires before the main front arrives.
- It is expected to be at least a few hours before there is any easing of conditions.
- Elsewhere, the Border Fire, Big Jack Mountain fire and Postmans Trail fire in the Bega Valley are at emergency warning level.
- The Creewah Road fire in the Snowy Monaro region is at emergency warning level.
The Orroral Valley fire in the ACT was upgraded to emergency warning level this afternoon, but has since been downgraded again to watch and act level.
- The fire had been heading towards Boboyan Road, Naas Road, Top Naas Road and Apollo Road. People in the vicinity of these areas are advised to remain vigilant and to stay informed about fire activity. Conditions could become more dangerous again.
- Joe Murphy, the chief officer of the ACT RFS, told ABC Canberra authorities are watching for a possible wind change this evening.
In Victoria, a fire at Cape Conran in the East Gippsland region has been burning at emergency warning level, with people told to seek shelter.
