Information on the Ruined Castle Fire, Blue Mountains. Issued at 1600hrs Sunday 29 December 2019

Situation The Ruined Castle Fire is currently 14,749 hectares in size and is largely within containment lines, it is burning to the south of the Katoomba and Leura area, and in the .

The Ruined Castle Fire has merged with the Green Wattle Creek fire that has been burning to its south.

Firefighters have contained the fire burning south of Katoomba in the area.

It has burnt through the area between Bell Bird Ridge and Coxs River, around Green Gully and Dunphy’s Campground. Backburning has been completed along Black Jerry’s Fire Trail in an attempt to stop the fires progression north.

Narrow Neck and Glenraphael Drive are closed.

Strategy

Crews will continue to patrol the area and mop up and black out remaining hotspots.

Fire crews have been sent to support the burn on the western side of Cox's River in the Wolllondilly area to link back to the completed backburn at Black Jerry's Fire Trail.

Advice

 For safety and to avoid hindering fire fighters, please refrain from sightseeing and stay well clear of back burning operations.  Residents in the Megalong Valley should continue to monitor conditions.  Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes.  Leaving early is your safest option.  Smoke will continue to impact the area over the holiday period.  People with respiratory conditions who are affected by bush fire smoke should activate their health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.  If you are in an area that has already been affected by fire, there may be small areas of active fire burning of some time. Be aware of the dangers of trees and branches falling.  Talk to your neighbours today. Know their plans and support each other to get ready.

Information  Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS Website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.  For information on road closures check www.livetraffic.com. Roads may close without warning.  Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at www.bom.gov.au.  Before visiting national parks, check for closures www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts.

 For updates from , visit www.scenicworld.com.au.

Map: Megalong Valley Fire Area

Authorised by Incident Controller Greg Wardle, Blue Mountains Fire Control Centre on behalf of the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service.