People setting off fireworks started a bushfire at Wentworth Falls on Sunday night, police believe.
“Police inquiries identified that a number of small sounding bangs were heard prior to the fire starting,” said Blue Mountains crime manager, Detective Chief Inspector Dietmar Almer.
“An examination by detectives later that morning found remnants of fireworks and police believe that this was the cause of the fire.
“Police are reminding everyone that the state is in the midst of a heat wave with conditions expected to remain the same for the next few days,” he said.
“The possession and use of fireworks in NSW is a criminal offence unless under an issued permit. The practice of letting off fireworks particularly in the Blue Mountains area could have tragic consequences to the community and to someone’s life.”
NSW Fire and Rescue were called to the bushfire on Darwin Walk, east of Jamison Road, at 12.15am on Monday, January 22.
The bushfire was under control later that morning however a five-person crew from the City of Sydney NSW Fire and Rescue was redeployed to the Mountains for 24 hours on Monday morning “on standby” for a fire emergency. They were to remain at Springwood station throughout the day “and possibly overnight” one fireman told the Gazette.
The Rural Fire Service reported the one hectare fire near Asquith Avenue was “under control” and the alert level was at “advice”, meaning there is no immediate danger but residents should stay up to date in case the situation changes.
Wentworth Fall Rural Fire Brigade posted on its Facebook page at 8.25am Monday: “Just after midnight last night the Brigade was called to a report of bush alight along the Darwin's Walk track at Jamison Creek Wentworth Falls. On arrival crews found a large area of bushland burning with possible property under threat. Numerous RFS and Fire & Rescue NSW appliances were sent to the area, and thanks to a huge effort from both services, the fire was brought under control by about 3.30am.
“As the fire has burnt in areas of swamp and heath, there is a very large amount of smouldering material that must be monitored and extinguished. RFS and Fire & Rescue NSW personnel will remain on scene throughout the day to black out and patrol. A water bucketing helicopter has been requested as a precaution and should be on scene early this morning.
“There is no current threat to surrounding properties, however, severe fire danger conditions are forecast today and this may test containment lines on the fire. If you live in this area please take the time to review your bush fire survival plan and the preparedness of your property.”
For updates on current fire activity check the Fires Near Me app or the RFS website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
A total fire ban is in place today because of predicted hot and windy conditions.
Police are urging any person with information about the incident to contact Katoomba Police Station on 4782 8199 or Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.
