A BUSHFIRE bearing down on Commissioners Creek, Doon Doon, Rowlands Creek and Mount Burrell could threaten more properties today as the terrain proves “extremely difficult for firefighters”, according to Rural Fire Service (RFS) Far North Coast Inspector Angela Daly.
Inspector Daly provided The Weekly with a comprehensive update on the fire situation at Doon Doon, Commissioners Creek as well as near Mount Burrell, Rowlands Creek and Kunghur as of 9.30am Sunday, November 17.
Inspector Daly said firefighters are facing a day of unpredictable winds and are finding it difficult to effectively contain the Mt Nardi fire which has burnt for more than a week.
“Firefighter units are facing extremely difficult terrain affecting the area, with steep and thick forest making it difficult to access and no solid (bulldozer) containment lines that can be established,” she said.
Inspector Daly said a cabin as well as a boatand a vehicle had so far been lost due to the fire around Commissioners Creek.
“A house was also scorched, but was saved before it destroyed the entire property,” she said.
“We may see more losses of properties as this fire continues unfortunately, as some properties are difficult to access.”
Inspector Daly said the fire was not “burning like a normal bushfire”.
“The fire is burning through extremely dry conditions and in an unpredictable way, with winds from the north west this morning and expected to swing around to the south – so we are anticipating another flare up,” she said.
Inspector Daly stressed that residents in affected areas need to know what to do and have their fire plan in place.
“Residents of Doon Doon, Commissioners Creek, Mount Burrell and Rowlands Creek need to stay up to date and know what to do if the situation changes quickly,” she said.
“Please monitor Fires Near Me, the RFS website and your local ABC radio.”
FIREFIGHTERS NOTICE: Fire crews are requesting residents to listen to the local ABC Radio and keep an eye on the Fires Near Me website or phone application. Brigades have requested residents refrain from phoning the station.
