The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #152535   Message #3569412
Posted By: Sandra in Sydney
23-Oct-13 - 08:37 PM
Thread Name: 2013/14 fire season, Australia
Subject: RE: 2013/14 fire season, Australia
Ebbie, the weather forecasts are for lower temperatures & winds over the next week, with no mention of rain tho - yet!

latest from the blog -
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) says an aircraft involved in firefighting operations has crashed west of Ulladulla this morning.

The ABC understands the plane is an 802 waterbomber and it is believed a wing snapped off before the crash.

The aircraft's operator is contracted to the RFS and was involved in firefighting operations.

Crews, including a rescue helicopter, are on their way to the crash site. There are no details of injuries at this stage.

Meanwhile, milder conditions have helped firefighters so far today but the RFS has warned the community not to be complacent about the dangers presented by bushfires.

A total of 66 fires are still burning around the state, with 24 uncontained, and residents are urged to remain vigilant.

Four watch-and-act alerts remain in place for the State Mine fire near Lithgow, the Mount Victoria fire, the Linksview Road fire near Springwood and the Hall Road fire in the Southern Highlands.

Follow our live blog for updates throughout the day.
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In pictures: animals caught up in bushfire emergency From cuddly domestic pets to scaly wild creatures, the NSW bushfires have affected animals of all shapes and sizes.

Organisations such as WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue & Education Service) and RSPCA NSW have been working hard to save the injured and provide shelter for pets whose families were evacuated.

WIRES established a Bushfire Appeal Fund to help injured, homeless, orphaned and disoriented animals, and the RSPCA fundraising appeal helps to support inspectors in the field and shelters that are treating sick, burnt and injured animals.
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Back-burning: fighting fire with fire