Report today in the SMH on the fire as it slowly advances toward Ilford & Capertee

[gary]

Laura Chung & Wolter Peeters at the Sydney Morning Herald report on the
"Upper Turon Rd, Palmers Oaky" fire front as it slowly progress toward
the communities of Capertee and Ilford.
(https://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/it-will-come-anxious-wait-for-residents-in-the-path-of-gospers-mountain-fire-20191226-p53n1m.html)
This fire has now been burning the last few weeks.

As at today, the Castlereagh Highway remains closed at Ilford but the
Ilford-Sofala Road has reopened.

The ASNSW site remains closed.

The fire thus far has burnt out 12,000 ha and is out of control.

Crews supported by earth-moving equipment and water-bombers have
been taking advantage of the mild conditions.

https://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/it-will-come-anxious-wait-for-residents-in-the-path-of-gospers-mountain-fire-20191226-p53n1m.html

[tonybarry]

Spare a thought for Linden Observatory halfway between Springwood and Hazelbrook on the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains.

Built by Ken Beames in the 1940's, run by a Trust to support and advance public Astronomy ... now facing the Gospers Mountain blaze.

Very sad - WSAAG members went up there to remove club property ahead of the fire. As yet, no word on when the Gospers Mountain fire will reach the town of Linden, and the Observatory, but it is pretty well in the line of fire.

Regards,
Tony Barry

[strongmanmike]

Hopefully everyone has managed to remove their gear, fingers are crossed!

Mike

[gary]

A message from Lesa a short while ago today.