Source: NSW Rural Fire Service

There is a bush fire burning in the Goulburn River National Park in the Merriwa River valley area.

The fire is currently more than 8600 hectares in size and is being controlled.

Current Situation

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.

What you need to do

Prepare Now Baerami, Worondi Creek Road, Merriwa River Valley, Baerami Creek Road, Hungerford Road and Widden Valley

If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving early is the safest option.
Fire may impact on your property. Make your final preparations now.
Fill buckets, sinks and bath tubs with water ready to put out spot fires
Block downpipes and fill your gutters with water to help stop burning embers. Do not get on the roof.
Remove items which can burn from around your home, such as furniture and door mats.
If you have firefighting equipment, get it ready now.
Put on protective clothing made of natural fibres that covers all of your skin. Wear sturdy shoes. Have plenty of drinking water available.

Monitor Conditions Merriwa River Valley, Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek and Gungal

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
Watch out for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
This means looking out for burning embers, changes in wind direction and smoke. Watch for signs of fire in your area.
Know what you will do if the fire impacts on where you are. Identify a safer location in case the situation changes. This may include a well cleared area or a solid structure such as a home.
If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving early is the safest option.

If you are threatened by fire

If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Bring pets indoors and restrain them, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners, keep water running if possible.
Shelter in a room on the other side of the building from the approaching fire, and one that has water and a clear exit out of the house.
Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers and turn sprinklers on if you have them.
Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).

Community Information

A Bush Fire Information Point will be setup at the following location[s]:

Sandy Hollow Community Hall on the Golden Highway, Sandy Hollow from 10:00am - 2:00pm Saturday 6 December

Evacuation centres

If you need to evacuate, it is best to stay with friends or family. If this is not an option, evacuation centres are listed below.
People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.

Evacuation centres are being opened to affected community members in the following locations:

Merriwa

Merriwa RSL Club (120-126 Bettington St, Merriwa) will be open from 10am today, Saturday 6 December for people.
Merriwa Showground (Dutton St, Merriwa) is open for cattle/horses/small ruminants/poultry and domestic dogs/cats. Please provide water buckets/troughs in addition to feed. Please ensure domestic dogs/cats are secured in crates/carriers.

Denman

Denman RSL Club (cnr Paxton St and Isobel St, Denman) will be open from 10am today, Saturday 6 December for people. The club is unable to take companion animals.
Denman Pony Club (20 Bell Street Denman) is open now, only suitable for horses or cattle. Please provide water buckets/troughs in addition to feed and note there is minimal shade.

Road Closures

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.
For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.

Other Information

Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
If you have a respiratory condition and may be affected by smoke, activate your health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.
Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.
For information on temporary school closures in your area, check School Operational Status.

The next update on this fire will be issued by 06/12/2025 16:00 or if the situation changes.


RFS Current Bushfires