11pm

Containment has been the most used word when the NSW RFS talk about the Mt Nardi bush fire. Our tireless firefighters are continuing to establish containment lines and patrol fires that are coming down the ridge towards properties. As this happens certain properties will be at risk so, while the immediate danger is over for most of the affected areas there is a great deal of caution for some areas around Tuntable Creek and Terania Creek. The fire will still be visible along the ridges and expectations are that this bush fire could burn for many more weeks due to large parts of the Nightcap National Park being in accessible, making it impossible to fight the fire until it reaches areas that can be accessed by firefighters. The fire coverage area is now 4,900 hectares according to the NSW RFS.

Terri Nicholson from the Nimbin Hook Up Discussion Board posted some amazing photos of our firies at work and of Protestor Falls.

A reminder that the Nightcap National Park is closed and the public is to not venture inside any part of the park.

There is another Total Fire Ban in place and the alert for the Mt Nardi Fire now sits at 'advice'. This means there is no immediate threat but conditions must be monitored closely. The not so good news of the evening is that the amount of rainfall forecast for Sunday has dropped to 2-6mm. Let's hope this increases as well as the 60% chance of rain on Sunday.

Liina Flynn will have more updates tomorrow.

10am

Conditions continue to improve for residents in our fire affected areas this morning.

The NSW RFS website no longer says that the bush fires are heading towards houses in Tuntable Falls and Tuntable Creek, but the warning is not to become complacent as conditions can change quickly with wind changes and high temperatures that are expected tomorrow and over the weekend.

The Mt Nardi fire has been downgraded to 'Advice' at this stage with the Bush Fire Warning at 'Very High'.

Firefighters met this morning to continue their brilliant work to establish containment lines for the coming days.

A press release yesterday by Federal MP Kevin Hogan said that "the disaster assistance has been extended tonight to Lismore, Kyogle and Ballina Council areas to help those worst-hit by the NSW bushfires.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said we’ve acted swiftly to provide immediate financial support to bushfire-hit communities.

“The funding is in addition to disaster assistance already made available to Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour council areas.”

“The Disaster Recovery Payment will immediately put cash into the pockets of those in need, providing $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children,” Mr Hogan said.

The payment is available to people whose homes has been severely damaged or destroyed, who have been seriously injured or who have lost a family member in the fires.

Assistance measures available under the Disaster Recovery Funding may include;

·         support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;

·         Disaster Recovery Allowance providing eligible applicants up to 13 weeks income support, for people who have lost their income as a direct result of the fires.

·         freight subsidies for primary producers; and,

·         grants to eligible non-profit organisations.

We hope to continue the positive news throughout the day.