Source: NSW Rural Fire Service

Watch and Act: Milsons Gully Fire (Upper Hunter LGA) - Leave now if not prepared - Baerami
Posted: 05/12/2025 15:00

There is a bush fire burning in the Goulburn River National Park in the Merriwa River valley area.

The fire is currently more than 6,890 hectares in size and is being controlled.

If you are in the vicinity of Baerami along the Bylong Valley Way and your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leaving early east towards Denman is your safest option.

Current Situation

The fire is burning in the Merriwa River valley area and is burning in a southeasterly direction towards the Golden Highway and Bylong Valley Way.
The fire may impact on properties in the vicinity of Baerami along the Bylong Valley Way.
Embers may be blown ahead of the main fire front. These may start spot fires which may threaten your home earlier than the main fire front.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate this afternoon with warm and dry north westerly winds forecast, resulting in an increase in fire activity.
Major roads, including Bylong Valley Way and the Golden Highway, are expected to be impacted and may close at short notice due to smoke or fire impact. Avoid the area and find an alternate route. Leaving early is your safest option.
Crews are working in some areas of difficult terrain, and will continue work on creating containment lines where possible.
Firefighters, with support of waterbombing aircraft and heavy machinery, will continue to focus efforts on the east and south east edges of the fire, particularly around areas of property protection lines.
What you need to do

Baerami

If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave now.
Leave east along Bylong Valley Way towards Denman.
A safer location may include a well cleared area nearby. Neighbourhood safer places offer a place of last resort if there are no other options.
Wear protective clothing and footwear.
If you planned to visit the area or live in the area but are away from home, it is not safe to return.
Merriwa River valley, Worondi Creek Road, Sandy Hollow, Giants Creek and Gungal

Under forecast weather conditions, the fire may impact on properties in these areas.
Monitor conditions and stay up to date in case the situation changes. Know what you will do if the situation changes.
Know what you will do if the fire impacts on where you are. Identify a safer location in case the situation changes. This may include a well cleared area or a solid structure such as a home.
If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving early is the safest option.
If you planned to visit the area, or live in the area but are away from home, it is not safe to return.
If you are threatened by fire

If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Bring pets indoors and restrain them, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners, keep water running if possible.
Shelter in a room on the other side of the building from the approaching fire, and one that has water and a clear exit out of the house.
Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers and turn sprinklers on if you have them.
Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
Evacuation centres

If you need to evacuate, it is best to stay with friends or family. If this is not an option, evacuation centres are listed below.
People are encouraged to register online at Register Find Reunite before attending evacuation centres.
Evacuation centres are bring opened to affected community members in the following locations:

Merriwa

Merriwa School of Arts (15 Bow St, Merriwa) will be open from 9am tomorrow for people.
Merriwa Showground (Dutton St, Merriwa) is open now for large animals and pets.
Denman

Denman Memorial Hall (Ogilvie St, Denman) will be open from 9am tomorrow morning (Saturday 7 December) for people.
Denman Pony Club (20 Bell Street Denman) is open now for large animals and pets.
Community Information

Community meetings have been scheduled at the following locations:

Worondi RFS Brigade Shed, Golden Highway, Gungal at 5pm to 5.30pm today, Friday 6 December.
Merriwa School of Arts, 15 Bow St, Merriwa at 7.30pm to 8pm today, Friday 6 December.
Other Information

Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
If you have a respiratory condition and may be affected by smoke, activate your health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.
For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.
Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.
For information on temporary school closures in your area, check [School Operational Status]( https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety).

RFS Current Bushfires