A major fire burning between Wellington and Mudgee is now contained but the work continues to put it out before more hot days later this week.
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The NSW Rural Fire Service’s (RFS) all-out efforts brought the fire under control on Sunday night - and stopped it crossing the Cudgegong River.
In unprecedented action, aircraft involved in fighting the blaze flew at night for the first time.
The helicopters with infrared capabilities identified hot spots and guided crews to put them out and allowed for water bombing aircraft to attack on Monday.
RFS media liaison officer Matthew Apps said the use of the aircraft meant they could go straight in on Monday morning with no time delays.
The fire, which has been raging since Wednesday, has already burned more than 2730 hectares of land.
Strengthening containment lines on the eastern and southern edges of the blaze was a focus on Monday.
Mr Apps said they were trying to make sure the fire was totally out, breaking up burning logs and wetting down areas.
“This will continue for days ahead of the hot weather returning on Wednesday,” he said.
There were still about 60 firefighters on the ground.
Graders and an excavator were also being used.
“It’s been a huge effort, greatly supported by local volunteers and resources from across the state to ensure the fire did not cross the Cudgegong River,” Mr App said.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
