Carwoola fire: Homes lost, firefighter injured in fast-moving blaze near Queanbeyan
Updated
Photo:
Fire crews watch on as bushland burns in the Carwoola grassfire. (ABC News: Alkira Reinfrank)
At least 15 homes have been lost in a fast-moving, out-of-control grassfire burning near Carwoola in New South Wales, as police warn that number may grow.
There are currently 89 bushfires and grassfires burning across the state, with 71 uncontained so far — many that are believed to have been started by lightning strikes.
Queanbeyan Police Superintendent Rod Smith told ABC Radio Canberra many houses had been lost in the Carwoola fire, and the number was expected to increase.
"Unfortunately we've counted at this stage 15 homes that have been lost, particularly around the Widgiewa Road area, but still no reports of any injuries [to home owners] which is great," he said.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) confirmed there had been "extensive property losses" but said the exact number would not be known until conditions eased.
The 2,700-hectare fire is still burning out-of-control in an easterly direction near Queanbeyan in the area of Captains Flat Road at Carwoola.
Earlier this afternoon a firefighter was injured in the blaze and was taken to hospital with burns.
Many people in the areas of Hoskintown, Rossi or Forbes Creek are either sheltering in their homes or at emergency evacuation centres.
The RFS has advised people in Primrose Valley and the Captains Flat township not to leave, as the road north is affected by fire.
This afternoon school children travelling on buses were redirected to the Q Theatre at Queanbeyan where an evacuation centre had been set up.
Another evacuation centre is located in the hall at the Bungendore Public School.
Large firefighting aircraft are assisting crews and trucks are being brought in from the surrounding region.
More than 120 firefighters and support staff have been sent from the Canberra region to help battle the blaze.
Firefighters try to protect pine plantation in Oberon region
The NSW RFS said it was also concerned about the number of fires in the Oberon area in the central tablelands.
"There have actually been four fires in the Oberon area this afternoon, firefighters are working hard at a number of those fires to stop them spreading into a pine plantation, as well as protecting property," Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said.
"We're also aware of how much local industry relies on those things like the plantations so we're doing our best to protect that level of infrastructure."
An emergency warning for another grassfire burning near Belubula Way, to the west of Mandurama in the state's central west, has been downgraded to a watch and act.
The blaze has already burnt out 270 hectares.
The RFS said conditions were easing and firefighters were now slowly bringing the fire under control.
Topics: bushfire, fires, disasters-and-accidents, queanbeyan-2620, nsw, canberra-2600, act
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