The State Mine Fires orginating in Lithgow have been creeping closer to Bowen Mountain where the ASNSW Crago Observatory is located. Currently it is across the valley about 6kms away.
Surrounding areas are on high alert and the residents on Bowen Mountain are been told that although the fire is not in the immediate area to be on alert, and use these days to prepare their homes and continue to monitor the situation.
The next observation night is meant for this weekend 26th Oct. We'll be making a decision by Friday whether we will open Crago on Saturday night. I will keep you posted on this thread.
I spent the weekend on the mountain clearing branches, leaves and removing some valuables from the observatory. I spoke to some of the Rural Fire Services and they fear that the winds may increase later in the week and blow the fire across the mountain.
Once the sun set that's when we (the residents of the mountain and I) noticed just how close the fires are! Literally just across and over the valley.
All we can do now is wait and let the men and women of the fire services do their job, they've been working around the clock in extreme conditions and saving thousands of homes.
My heart felt sympathies goes out to all the families that have been affected by this disaster so far.
A I drove up Bowen Mountain this morning everyone was bracing for worst, residents were on their driveways packing valuables into their cars and others removing branches and leaves from their gutters.
Fortunately the winds didn't take hold of the flames today and the high risk was averted.
For now Crago will be open on Saturday, a final call will be made on the day pending weather conditions.
