NSW: Reisdents evacuated as bushfire spreads south

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-2001
NSW: Reisdents evacuated as bushfire spreads south

About 1,000 residents in Sydney's south have spent the night in evacuation centres
after bushfires forced them to flee their homes overnight.

A smokey haze has blanketed most of the Sydney metropolitan area this morning as up
to 100 separate blazes burn across the state.

A change in wind overnight saw the focus of firefighting efforts move from Sydney's
north-west and Blue Mountains area to Sydney's south.

Police say Heathcote residents were directed to three evacuation centres - the Sutherland
Police Citizens Youth Club, Gymea Trade Union Club and Engadine Bowling Club.

The F6 also remains closed to all but local residents.

The Bureau of Meterology says cooler conditions overnight is expected to moderate the threat.

Authorities have estimated well over 120 properties to have been destroyed, but some
news reports have put the figure at 440.

About 12,000 homes remain without power.

Meanwhile residents in Sydney's south have been urged to boil their drinking water
after the bushfires affected water filtration systems.

And asthmatics have been warned to take care and minimise their exposure to the open
as smoke clouds blanket most of the Sydney metropolitan area.







Authorities have also issued numbers for the public to call for information about the
welfare of friends and family as well as information about road closures.

For information about the welfare of friends and family in areas that have been evacuated
call 1800 227 228.

To check on family and friends who have been registered with an evacuation centre call
1800 060 243.

For information about road closures call the RTA hotline on 13 27 01.

AAP RTV nd

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW (SYDNEY)

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