Thankyou to local photographer Adam Dederer for sending us these powerful images which so acutely show just how severe the fires and the drought have been on our region's farmers and the natural landscape.
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Here are his reflections on his trip:
So, after a week or so of low visibility due to heavy smoke on the Mid-North Coast, I took a drive up to the recent and still current bush fires of the Ebor, Bees Nest and Guy Fawkes areas.
It was completely heart-wrenching stuff to see firsthand, to say the least.
I drove through the once beautiful rural countryside to see a now devastated, scorched and scarred land remains.
I stumbled across a small patches of unburnt drought-stricken land where the local cattle had found refuge in the dozens if not hundreds.
I cannot be grateful enough for volunteers that have been battling all these blazes, and not just those in these areas, but to all volunteers and firefighters Australia-wide.
The latest from the RFS on the Bees Nest Fire
The fire has burnt through more than 93,000 hectares and is being controlled.
Current Situation
The fire continues to burn on multiple fronts within the Guy Fawkes National Park, the Mount Hyland Nature Reserve and Nymboi Binderay National Park.
The fire is burning close to homes and properties, and crews remain on scene to continue to protect properties in the area.
Firefighters will continue to conduct backburns as conditions allow. People will notice an increase of smoke and fire activity as these burns are undertaken.
Advice
If you are in the areas of Billys Creek, Tyringham, Marengo, Moonpar, Dundarrabin or Bostobrick, put your bush fire survival plan into action. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Smoke may be affecting the areas of Dorrigo and Coffs Harbour.
Residents in the area should continue to monitor to situation.
Fire and fallen trees may continue to impact a number of local roads. Follow the directions of firefighters.
Landholders should not use fire or conduct their own backburns. This puts you and firefighters in danger.
If you live in the area but are away from your home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
Other Information
- Dundurrabin Public School will be closed on Tuesday 17 September.
- Hernani Public School will be open on Tuesday 17 September.
- An evacuation centre at Dorrigo Showground, 4180 Waterfall Way, Dorrigo is open today from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
- For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.
A base camp has now been established at the Dorrigo Polocrosse Fields for the volunteer firefighters who have come from across NSW and the ACT to assist local crews with fighting the Bees Nest fire.
The camp on Ash St includes sleeping quarters for 200 firefighters, a commercial kitchen and dining tent, fuel storage and vehicle maintenance facility.
Incident controller Mark Williams from the Northern Tablelands Fire Control Centre said Dorrigo residents are likely to notice a significant increase in emergency vehicles in and around the town throughout the coming weeks.
"Your patience, understanding and support is much appreciated by all involved, many of whom have volunteered their time away from family, friends and work to assist the broader community.
"If you see our firefighters, please give them a wave and a smile. It has been a very busy fire season and many have been battling fires since the beginning of 2019."