Bogan Gate Fires
Published Date: 08 Jan 2013
Summary
A fire near Bogan Gate yesterday afternoon was brought under control over night and the alert level downgraded to advice.
Bogan Gate Fires
LOCATION: 2 km west of Bogan Gate
COUNCIL AREA: Parkes
STATUS: Under Control
TYPE: Scrub/Grass fire
FIRE: Yes
SIZE: 164 ha
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Rural Fire Service
Fire at Bogan Gate under control
Parkes Champion Post
A fire near Bogan Gate yesterday afternoon was brought under control over night and the alert level downgraded to advice.
Firefighters said scorching temperatures and stong winds were causing the blaze to spread into a timbered ridge, however it was contained before this could happen.
Mid Lachlan Valley RFS team captain Ken Neville said the blaze was one of three which started near Bogan Gate on Tuesday.
Superintendent Neville said the fires started about 2.30pm on Tuesday, possibly sparked by a train travelling on the Bogan Gate line.
Two of the fires were quickly contained but a blaze which started near the former Army barracks, just east of Bogan Gate, spread into adjacent timbered country and was soon out of control.
An emergency warning for the fire was issued about 5pm with residents on high alert. However it was downgraded around two hours later after firefighters, assisted by water bombers, had some success in controlling the blaze.
"We managed to contain two of the fires quite quickly but the fire just east of Bogan Gate got into a ridge and we had to bring in some fire fighting aircraft – six water bombers and one helicopter, along with some heavy machinery from Parkes Shire Council," Supt Neville said.
The fire continues to burn this morning and has so far burnt over 50 hectares.
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UPDATES
January 9, 2013: Morning update: Yesterday evening's fire at Bogan Gate has been once again downgraded to an Advice level over night as firefighters work to control the fire.
It is not threatening any homes.
The fire has so far burnt through 60 hectares.
Fire crews remain on scene.
Scary time for Bogan Gate residents
Parkes Champion Post
Relieved Bogan Gate residents, Kay and Kevin Peckham called in this morning with photos of the blaze that was sparked by a train yesterday afternoon.
"It was a very scary time.
"We received a text message on the mobile and one on the landline telling us to evacuate at about 3.45pm.
"The fire was quickly heading up through the ridge, we watched it carefully all night but we didn't end up needing to leave," Kevin said.
The rural fire service downgraded fire warnings from Emergency Warning to Watch and Act in the evening and it was further downgraded to an Advice level over night.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain the fire which was still burning at 5am.
A storm late in the evening caused some concern with lightning but a couple of showers of rain may have been some help.
