Location of the Sugarbag Road fire.
UPDATE AT 3.40PM
Firefighters have gained an upper hand on the fire. The alert level has been downgraded to Advice.
Original story
A Watch & Act alert has been issued for the Sugarbag Road fire near Drake today, Monday, October 27.
This means those living between ‘The Sticks’ and Bruxner Highway should leave now if not prepared, towards Tenterfield.
Firefighters are battling the bush fire that is burning in a southeasterly direction towards Bruxner Road.
Yesterday, when conditions were milder, local brigades were supported by water-bucketing aircraft, and managed to hold the fire to Sugarbag Road and east of Kims Way.
The blustery, hot dry winds have pushed the fire east towards Plumbago Creek.
Embers will be blown long distances ahead of the main fire front starting spot fires, these may impact homes earlier than the main fire front.
The warm and windy conditions are pushing the fire towards Bruxner Road, the Bruxner Highway and towards the Jubullum community and the Clarence River.
The fire may escalate quickly and impact on properties.
If you are east of Sugarbag Road and west of Tabulam, you should prepare now and stay up to date in case the situation changes. Know what you will do if the situation changes.
Firefighters and waterbombing aircraft are working in the area to slow the spread of the fire.Mallanganee Bridge file pic.
What you need to do
If you are in the area of the Bruxner Road between the locality of ‘The Sticks’ and the Bruxner Highway, you are at risk. Leave now if not prepared south-west towards Tenterfield if the path is clear.
Do not wait. Roads may become blocked or access may change, smoke may reduce visibility.
Act now to protect yourself and your family. Conditions may get worse quickly. Leaving at the last minute is deadly.
A safer location may include a well cleared area nearby. Neighbourhood safer places offer a place of last resort if there are no other options.
If you are unable to leave, seek shelter as the fire impacts to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
If you planned to visit the area, or live in the area but are away from home, do not return.
People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.
If you are threatened by fire
If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Bring pets indoors and restrain them, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners, keep water running if possible.
Shelter in a room on the other side of the building from the approaching fire, and one that has water and a clear exit out of the house.
Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers and turn sprinklers on if you have them.
Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.
If your life is at risk, call triple zero.
Other information
Stay up to date on bushfires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
If you have a respiratory condition and may be affected by smoke, activate your health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.
For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.
Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.
For information on temporary school closures in your area, check School Operational Status.
The next update on this fire will be at 3.30pm or if the situation changes.
This information was provided by NSW RFS.
