Several fires have been started by lightning strikes in the Putty area over the last couple of days. Fires still burning are at Garland Valley, Howes Valley and Putty Valley Road 3km north of Gibbs Bridge.
The Putty fire is in a small area of State Forest in between Putty Valley Road and Bakers Road. As it is in inaccessible terrain a helicopter has been dropping water on it along with two drops of pink fire retardant from a plane. The fire has not crossed either road. It died down overnight but may flare up again today. The wind has dropped this morning, but it is forecast to pick up to 15 -25 km per hour later today.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 years since the Gosper Mountain Fire. Since that major event, we have had good rain and good growth of grass and scrub. But now the paddocks are dry, and a grass fire could spread rapidly.
As well as attending to fires caused by lightning strikes, Putty Brigade has been called to several fires caused by burning rubbish and bbq’s. The area around these fires had not been cleared prior to lighting the fires and they got away.
There is no real rain forecast, days are hot and there may be thunderstorms around so please
- If you see smoke close to you or a fire with no truck in attendance, dial 000.
- Stay up to date: check emails, texts, https://puttyalerts.com/ and Putty Valley Chronicles on Facebook regularly
- Download Hazards Near Me app on your phone to alert you to fires close by
- Check ArcGIS NSW Fire Map shows size of fire and other information if you zoom in
- Turn on UHF and radio
- Go to the NSWRFS website or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nswrfs/ for more information
- Monitor weather forecasts as well as conditions in your area
Prepare your property
Log onto https://puttyalerts.com and go to Putty Emergency Directory or simply control/click on (PED (PED page 16-27). If not in Putty don’t leave preparations to the last minute – you may have no access.
Clear an Asset Protection Zone around all buildings and ensure any fuel, including LPG bottles, is stored in a shed of its own and clear around it.
If your plan is to stay
Download and complete your Bush Fire Survival Plan https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-fire-survival-plan
Check supplies – food, medicines, fuel and extra fuel containers (PED page 17-19)
Shop for supplies for at least 2-3 weeks
Ensure you have access to drinking water if power goes off, your pump won’t work.
Notes: Preparing for an emergency event early rather than at the last minute results in better outcomes and less stress during an event.
Putty residents are reminded that it is your responsibility to check your communications regularly, to tune into emergency broadcasts and to prepare your property.
Disclaimer: The following information was compiled by the Hub House Team from various sources, including government agencies opinions, and observations by Putty locals. The Hub House Team accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content. This advice was relevant at the time of posting.
Putty Alerts 