NSW: 1,000 evacuated as firefighters face week of heat and wind

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2001
NSW: 1,000 evacuated as firefighters face week of heat and wind

Bushfires have forced the evacuation of up to 1,000 people from Hill Top, south-west
of Sydney, as authorities face their worst fear -- the likelihood of several hot, windy
days to come.

Most residents were moved to Mittagong after fires fanned by erratic winds forced the
exodus of half the township.

Officials say light rain in some parts of New South Wales can't even be counted as
a blessing and could actually hamper efforts to contain the estimated 100 fires burning
around the state.

Spokesman JOHN WINTER says what's needed is a significant dump capable of knocking fires out.

He says ferocious winds -- reported to be reaching 95 kilometres per hour around Bathurst
to Sydney's west -- could cause havoc if they move towards the coast and hit bushfire
hot spots.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner PHIL KOPERBERG says weather forecasts provide grim
news about the next four days bringing more dry conditions with moderate to fresh north-westerly
winds.

Five major fires burning around the Sydney basin are currently contained but at risk
from adverse conditions.

AAP RTV dc/rp/sal/gl/sb/dl/jas

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW (SYDNEY)

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