NSW: Hilltop residents evacuated

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2001
NSW: Hilltop residents evacuated

SYDNEY, Dec 31 AAP - Residents of Hill Top southwest of Sydney were being evacuated
today as a nearby fire draws closer to the township.

A police spokeswoman said between 500 and 1,000 people were being evacuated from their
homes with the help of police, state emergency personnel and rural bush fire officers.

The evacuation started at around 4pm (AEDT) and residents were being taken to Mittagong
RSL, the spokeswoman said.

"They are evacuating people west of Cumbertine Street down to Pearce Street and west
of Wattle Street down to Rocky Waterholes Road," she said.

The spokeswoman said the fire had become erratic, breaking off in fingers, forcing
the exodus of around half the town.

The residents had been on high evacuation alert for most of the day.

AAP rhp/ldj/de

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW HILLTOP

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.