Current bushfire situation
DPI and LHPA staff are continuing to work with the Rural Fire Service to assist affected primary producers and regional communities.
Stock assessments are continuing and losses across the State have exceeded 12,000 head, which is mainly sheep and lambs.
The fire west of Coonabarabran remains an operational focus with some 54,000 hectares of land burnt out.
Assessment teams have gained full access to the fire zone and continue the grim task of assessing bushfire stock and wildlife losses. RSPCA and WIRES staff are assisting in the assessment and care of affected wildlife.
Confirmed losses to date include some 850 sheep and 320 cattle. Additional livestock are being monitored. Farm infrastructure and fence damage is extensive – with early indications pointing to a total loss of fencing in some areas.
Emergency fodder has been deployed to the area and affected landholders requiring fodder or water are encouraged to call the DPI on 1800 814 647.
The fire at Yass/Harden is now under control. Confirmed losses include around 10,000 sheep, 150 head of cattle and small number of horses as well as farm infrastructure, including sheds and vehicles.
Large fires at Nowra and east of Cooma caused extensive damage to farming operations. Losses to date for the Cooma-Monaro Shire include 2450 sheep, numerous structures/sheds, and, at least 700 km of fencing. At Boorowa 40 sheep and 350 round bales of hay have been confirmed lost, with the assessment continuing.
Grass fires at Mates Gully Rd, Tarcutta and Wokolena near Wagga Wagga caused damage to a number of farm businesses. Confirmed losses include: 2,400 sheep, over 55 kilometres of fencing, 700 large bales of hay, 5,500 hectares of pasture and farm infrastructure.
Fodder drops continue for affected properties.
The Department of Primary Industries and NSW Farmers have teamed up to establish a fodder and fencing donation register to assist farmers affected by bushfire. The registry has now received more than 120 entries and NSW Farmers’ and DPI staff are matching requests for fodder with donations.
It is important that people call the hotline to register donations so the distribution can be managed over the coming weeks.
Preparing for fires
- Prepare places where livestock can be moved to during an emergency to give them the greatest chance of survival.
- Ensure firebreaks are mown, ploughed, slashed or grazed along fence lines and around your home, shed and storage areas.
- Seal under floor spaces to stop embers entering infrastructure.
- Have water tanks filled and connected to a pump for fire fighting in case a fire is on your property.
- Have a diesel pump. Electric pumps won’t work during a fire if the power goes out.
- Store things like fuel or woodpiles well away from your house.
- Check the access to your property. Ensure cattle grids or bridges can hold the weight of a fire truck.
- Make sure you’ve got adequate levels of insurance for your home, contents, machinery and crops or stock.
- Consider fire proofing your stock watering systems (e.g. bury poly pipe)
DPI supports the NSW Rural Fire Service to coordinate response measures and assist affected farmers. DPI is responsible for coordinating animal welfare relief services for livestock, wildlife and companion animals.
More information
More information and resources to help manage and prepare for Bushfires.
Natural disaster declarations
Emergency contacts
Emergency: 000.
NSW Rural Fire Service Bushfire information Line: 1800 679 737.