Health warning for Warren residents
Published: 5th September 2012
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters are warning Warren residents to take appropriate health and safety precautions ahead of a wind change this afternoon that is expected to blow large amounts of smoke from a massive cotton fire towards the town.
Firefighters from FNRSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service are battling a massive cotton fire on Bundemar Road where a large number of cotton bales are alight. The fire had spread into nearby grassland but has since been contained by firefighters. The cotton however continues to burn and will do so for some time.
Winds are currently blowing the thick plumes of smoke from the fire away from Warren but south-westerly winds forecast to arrive at about 6pm this evening are likely to send the smoke towards the town.
People living in Warren, especially those with health issues, should take precautions such as closing doors and windows and staying indoors. If you’re asthmatic, follow your asthma management plan. Disconnect your rainwater tanks so they don’t become contaminated with ash.
Roads may be smoke affected and motorists should slow down if driving in smoky conditions.