Parkes Shire Council is today continuing to support NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) efforts following the Alectown fire, which started yesterday after a series of lightning strikes along Kadina Road ignited a tree during a storm event. The quick response of RFS volunteers and support services was key to bringing the fire under control.
In response to the catastrophic fire danger rating declared for Parkes Shire, a Section 44 was enacted, activating additional resources, aircraft, personnel, and inter-agency coordination.
In preparation for the forecast catastrophic conditions, the RFS deployed a Hellitank 211 (Chinook), Hellitank 202 (Bell 402) and Bomber 253 from Dubbo. The Chinook is currently based out of Parkes Airport and will remain on site to provide ongoing water bombing support for the area.
The main staging area for crews was established at Valley Heights, north of Alectown, where Council staff worked alongside RFS personnel, and heavy plant operators.
On Wednesday, three Council graders worked from both the northern and southern ends of the fire to create access tracks and firebreaks. Two graders worked from Burrill Creek Road, while another operated from Baldry-Peak Hill Road across private property to protect assets and push containment lines along the Goobang National Park boundary.
As of today, three graders and two water trucks remain on site and are positioned at key corners of the fire to support further containment.
The fire has so far burnt approximately 950 hectares. Crews remain actively engaged, strengthening containment lines and access roads for the RFS.
A number of road closures and diversions were implemented to ensure community safety and maintain safe access for emergency services. Council traffic control crews remained on site to manage these closures.
During the peak of the event, the water filtration plant temporarily went offline due to a power outage at the Forbes precinct, prompting water tankers to draw from local dams and creeks to maintain system pressure. This ensured the nearby airport maintained water capacity required for aerial firefighting support.
Parkes Shire Council acknowledges the significant contribution of the following staff and volunteers who supported the firefighting effort: Matt Byrnes, Jason Bliss, Jack Read, Pat Tosetti, Brent Wood, Luke Byrnes, Peter Gaffa, Brad Dukes, Chad Hartin, Justin Spence, Tai Toomey, Dylan Jeffrey, Reece Barkle, Mia Galbraithe, Jim Hayes, Todd Knowles, Mark Blackstock, Cath McCaulay, Kylie Trueber, Sue McGrath, Andre Bruinsma, Rob Beilby and Tony Latter (SME).
Council extends its thanks to the RFS and all volunteers, air crews, plant operators, and support personnel for their professionalism and rapid response to the Shire's first major fire of the season.
The fire remains active but contained on multiple fronts. Road closures remain in place. Crews will continue to work across the next several days as weather conditions and residual burning require active management.
Parkes Shire Council urges all residents to remain alert and follow RFS updates and warnings.
