Media Release COMMUNITY EFFORTS PRAISED SITUATION AT 0600 HOURS THURSDAY 4 DECEMBER, 1997 ISSUED FROM BUSHFIRE CONTROL, COONABARABRAN SHIRE COUNCIL OFFICE, JOHN STREET, COONABARABRAN. Incident controller Garry Wilson has highly praised the tireless efforts of fire fighters, local residents, volunteer and other agencies who are currently working around the clock to contain the Timmallallee Creek fire. Mr Wilson said firefighters from around NSW and parts of Queensland were putting in fantastic efforts to contain the fire. "All of the people working in the frontlines are tired after several days of going operations but still they are putting all their efforts into the work", he said. "From the Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire Brigades, Salvation Army, State Forests, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Police, Ambulance Service, St Johns Ambulance, State Emergency Services, Volunteer Rescue Association, Department of Community Services and community volunteers, the effort has been incredible. "Each day the fire fighters are kept going by the dozens of workers behind the scenes, all involved in the logistical operations that keep the whole operation working smoothly. "When we were looking for heavy machinery to help create fire breaks we had machinery coming in from districts all over the place. "The whole community, not only in Coonabarabran, but neighbouring districts and areas around the state have all pitched in to give all the help they can. We have teachers, shopkeepers, office workers and people from all walks helping, it's just phenomenal. "We've had people manning the phones 24 hours a day, residents preparing hundreds of meals, businesses offering their services and countless locals giving their time and energies to ensure there is support for everyone involved. "It gives everyone a lift when you see the efforts going in by the countless numbers of people behind the scenes." Further enquiries: Warwick Ponder/Sergeant Steve Williams (Media Liaison Officers) at Fire Control Headquarters in Coonabarabran Shire Council offices. Direct lines (open 24 hrs) are 0268 421352 or 0268 422620. Two telephone numbers have been established for public information. The numbers are: (02) 6842 3172 and (02) 682 3146. SITUATION REPORT 6am, THURSDAY, 4 DECEMBER, 1997 The breakout on the north-east corner of the fire area, about 30 kms south of Narrabri, continues to be fought hard. Some 34 people were evacuated from this area yesterday, and firefighters are working hard to save properties in the area. Waterbombing is being conducted on this fire. Meanwhile, firefighters have worked throughout the night to establish a new containment line between the fire and Narrabri, and to the east. It will extend some 50 kms through forest and farmland south to Karringle Road. It is being cut with graders and bulldozers to a width of 20 metres. It is expected to be completed later this morning. The breakout in the south-west sector, 6 kms north-east of Bugaldie, continues to burn, but is not moving outside the area it has occupied for the past 24 hours. Another swathe is being bulldozed around it to contain it, and it is being regularly water bombed. A new fire started near Cubbo, to the north of the main fire, yesterday. It is being contained by firefighters who were rushed to the scene. Landholders on the southern, north eastern and eastern boundaries of the fire should continue to keep a good lookout, and be prepared to leave if there is any sudden flare-up caused by any change in weather conditions. The weather forecast for today is for about 32 degree temperatures, and northerly to north-easterly winds. INFORMATION HOT LINES Two information hot line numbers have been established for people needing information about the fires, and related matters. They are (02) 6842 3172 and (02) 6842 3146. Please avoid using Coonabarabran Shire Council telephone numbers, as these are being used for fire control communications.