Firefighters have successfully been able to bring the serious grassfire near Sutton under control after four hours.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The fire which began at Mulligan’s flat road burned 500-hectares, threatening homes near the village of Sutton and forcing other residents to evacuate.
At about 3pm on Wednesday, the blaze forced 70 firefighters and eight water bombers worked tirelessly in 37 degree heats.
While volunteers on the ground feared an south-easterly wind, expected around 6pm, would force the fire back the opposite way.
A drop in conditions allowed the firefighters to control the blaze and downgrade the warning to advice at approximately 7pm.
The roads at Mulligans Flat Road and Sutton Road remains closed. Volunteers will continue to watch the fire overnight and into tomorrow.
Rolling coverage: Wednesday 6.30pm.
Sutton Road is closed in both directions between Federal Highway and Mulligans Flat Road.
Shingle Hill Way is closed in both directions between Federal Highway and Sutton Road.
East Tallagandra Lane is closed in both directions between Mulligans Flat Road and Sutton Road.
Conditions ease, downgraded to watch and act.
Update: Wednesday 4.50pm
Tim Carroll, manager of the Lake George Zone at NSW Rural Fire Service, said the department received a call to the fast-moving grass fire this afternoon on Mulligans Flat Road.
“So far, we’ve responded with around 20 trucks to that area. They’re being supported by fixed wings aircraft and helicopters,” he said.
Two large tankers from Albury were also dispatched to assist.
“An emergency warning has been issued for the fire and is still currently in place. Emergency crews from the Southern Tablelands and the ACT are assisting,” Mr Carroll said.
He said at this stage they do not know the cause of the fire.
Grass fire began after 3.30pm
A grass fire began on Mulligans Flat Road, Sutton at about 3.50pm on Wednesday, January 18.
The fire is fast moving and out of control. It is burning in a south-easterly direction towards the village of Sutton. Crews from the NSW Rural Fire Service and ACT Rural Fire Service are on scene. They are being assisted by water-bombing aircraft.
The NSW Rural Fire Service advises residents to seek shelter if fire impacts.