MORE than two months after igniting, the Kerry Ridge bushfire is now officially "out", according to the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The blaze, which encompassed the Wollemi National Park, Nullo Mountain, Coricudgy and Putty state forests in the Mid-Western Regional, Muswellbrook and Singleton LGAs, burned through more than 191,000 hectares of land.
But, on Monday, February 10, the NSW RFS was delighted to finalise its campaign following 79 days of non-stop work.
"It started as a result of lightning and merged with the Gospers Mountain and Oakey Creek fires during this time," a Cudgegong District spokesperson said.
"Reaching 'out' status signifies the end of a substantial firefighting effort from the NSW RFS, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fire and Rescue NSW - alongside our partner emergency services, heavy plant operators and water-bombing aircraft - as well as a little assistance from Mother Nature.
"With a number of weeks still left to run in the current Bush Fire Danger Period, residents and landholders are encouraged not to become complacent following recent rains.
"While it's wet today, the threat of bushfire still remains ever present with a number of areas yet to receive any significant rainfalls.
"Take advantage of the calmer conditions to review your Bush Fire Survival Plan and ensure your property is prepared as it can be."