Fire situation report 8-dec-1997 15:00 cmc@aaocbn.aao.gov.au

The Emergency Declaration under Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act 1997 was
lifted at 18:00 7-dec-1997. This with approx 37 mm of rain falling on the
northern section of the fire area has means that the fire is virtually over.

Fire situation report 4-dec-1997 10:00 cmc@aaocbn.aao.gov.au

Conversations with the Fire Control Information Line indicates the following
situation.

The southern and south eastern flank of the fire is approximately 26 Km from
the Observatory.  Controlled burning by ground crews and aircraft dropping
incendiaries has established a defensive line north of Salaks road,
Wittenbra Creek and Yearinan Creek. Water bombing from aircraft are
controlling spot fires in the Wittenbra State Forrest north east of
Bugaldie. Unfortunately the scrub is too thin for successfully ignition by
incendiary drops further to the north west, so control of spot fires will be
necessary for some time.

The observatory is not under direct threat at present. The buildings are
able to withstand fire hazards by nature of their construction, the Siding
Spring Observatory has it's own trained fire team with fire fighting
capability and maintains a program of fire hazard reduction.

The situation has eased. However the fire danger is very high and great care
is being taken. The situation is dominated by the prevailing weather
conditions and can change rapidly. North Easterly winds are forecast and they
represent a potential danger.

Over 800 volunteer and professional fire fighters supported by approx 1000
support staff are working to protect life and property.

AAO staff members and their families are directly involved in the operation.