Roads closed as Milsons Gully bushfire continues to expand

The Milsons Gully Bushfire is now burning 8,647 hectares (as of 9:30am Saturday December 6).

Here’s a breakdown of the current situation provided by the RFS:

• It is likely the fire will cross the Bylong Valley Way to the south this afternoon.
• Bylong Valley Road is closed to all except local traffic between Sandy Hollow to Bylong Village
• Major roads, including the Golden Highway, may close at short notice due to smoke or fire impact. Avoid the area and find an alternate route. Leaving early is your safest option.
• The fire is burning in the Merriwa River valley area and is burning in a south easterly direction towards the Golden Highway and Bylong Valley Way.
• Today, Saturday 6 December, hot and windy weather is forecast with Extreme fire danger and a Total Fire Ban for the area. Fire activity is likely to increase – residents should be prepared to take action.
• Firefighters, with support of waterbombing aircraft and heavy machinery, will continue to focus efforts on the east and south east edges of the fire, particularly around areas of property protection lines.