UPDATE 8.38PM: The Bannaby bushfire has now reached Bannaby Road, reports NSW RFS operational officer for the Southern Tablelands, Daniel Osborne.
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About 960 hectares (about 2372 acres) have been burnt and additional crews from Marulan and Bungonia have now joined the efforts.
Mr Osborne said the Taralga wind turbines were turned off this morning following a mutual decision between the NSW RFS and company representatives.
He said a representative from the company had been on the scene in the morning to try to help the firefighters on the ground.
The bushfire is burning about eight kilometres to the north-east of Taralga and north of Bannaby Road.
It is burning through bush and grassland in a south-westerly direction.
Isolated rural properties in the area of Alders, Bannaby, Crees, Newfoundland and Old Showground roads are under threat and firefighters are conducting property protection.
Some 77 firefighters supported by aircraft and heavy plant will continue working to slow the spread of the fire.
NSW RFS advises residents stay informed and monitor conditions, and check and follow bushfire survival plans now.
Firefighters have established a bushfire information point at Taralga Fire Station, 38 Orchard Street.
If life is at risk, residents should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
More to come.
UPDATE 5.33PM: The Bannaby bushfire has now spread across 729 hectares of land.
An additional 31 firefighters and 17 fire trucks are on the scene. The Wingecarribee strike force unit will be arriving in Taralga shortly.
The cause of the fire is unknown, with investigations expected to commence in the following days according to NSW RFS operational officer for the Southern Tablelands, Daniel Osborne.
Crews are continuing to carry out property protection south of Bannaby Road.
Taralga resident Chris Ainsworth, who lives about 600 metres away from where the fire begun, said locals have banded together to give him a helping hand.
“I only noticed [the fire] when I was driving home from work at about 7.20pm last night and saw a big heap of smoke from behind my house, I thought oh, that’s a concern,” he said.
He described the fire as a “slow burn” last night but noticed it had picked up dramatically with the wind over the day.
The horticulturalist has a bag of non replaceable packed and ready if the fire continues to spread but is hopeful it will be controlled soon.
More to come.
UPDATE 3.55PM: The Bannaby bushfire continues to burn in a westerly direction and has now spread to 634 hectares (about 1567 acres).
NSW RFS operational officer for the Southern Tablelands, Daniel Osborne, says the bushfire is still out of control and uncontained.
On the scene are 52 firefighters across 16 trucks and five air aids.
An additional 25 crew are on their way from the Wingecarribee region.
NSW RFS says it has heard two unconfirmed reports of “minor structures” lost to the fire.
Mr Osborne says a “northerly change” is expected, although when is “anyone’s guess” at this stage.
He reminded residents to enact their bushfire action plan.
Those who need advice or assistance can call the NSW RFS on 1800 679 737.
The Taralga Fire Station at 38 Orchard Street also has a community liaison officer on duty for further information.
If life is at risk, residents should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
More to come.
EARLIER: NSW RFS crews are working to contain a 125-hectare bushfire near Bannaby.
In the Long Gully Road north area, about 10 kilometres east of Taralga, the fire started Friday afternoon.
As at Saturday afternoon, it is moving towards the west, having spread in inaccessible terrain overnight.
NSW RFS warns isolated rural properties in the area of Alders, Bannaby and Crees roads may soon come under threat.
This morning, 35 firefighters and 12 fire trucks from across the district were on the scene with the assistance of five aircraft.
NSW RFS operational officer for the Southern Tablelands, Daniel Osborne, said crews were working to protect properties west and south-west of the bushfire.
The fire is expected to grow, Mr Osborne said, as severe fire danger is forecast for the area.
Under these conditions, fires may burn erratically and be difficult to control.
“Residents close by need to watch and act, executing their bushfire protection plan,” Mr Osborne said.
There had been a number of Triple Zero calls from the region, he said. If life is at risk, residents should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Residents in the area should ensure their property is prepared in the event the fire reaches them.
For those who do not have a plan, leaving early is the safest option, the NSW RFS advises.
More to come
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