Tough day in Australia's apple capital amid dire 'evacuate' warning
Residents in the historic NSW town of Batlow - known as Australia's apple capital - have had a tough decision to make today.
Yesterday, they were told the town can't be saved if fire breaks out as is predicted tomorrow.
The RFS has warned embers from the fire may land in pine plantation adjacent to the township near Old Tumbarumba Road, and "the township will not be defendable."
But much of the livelihood of the town, 100km west of Canberra and home to just over 1300 people, relies on the land.
It has a "big apple,' a ciderfest and an apple blossom festival.
The RFS has warned embers from the fire may land in pine plantation adjacent to the township near Old Tumbarumba Road, and "the township will not be defendable. Supplied
A fire which broke out today in a pin forest near the small town. Nine
Amanda McCorkindale has a nursery outside of town. If she leaves, the plants will die.
She hopes to stay but has packed up a caravan, and needs to make a decision this afternoon.
Batlow Cider shared a image of smoke in the area on Instagram Instagram
Taking photo albums, medication and bare essentials to an evacuation centre were another pair of women from the town.
"It's been a really, really hard decision," one of them told 9News.
"We've packed the bare essentials, precious things and we're heading off.
"Lives are much more important than property.
"Hopefully we'll all get through this."
The staff at The Batlow Hotel, were also preparing to stay
"It's only a small town, we've got to do what we can to try and save it," staff there said, adding they have hoses and as they're far from the bush, expect to be able to battle any fire which starts.
The main street of Batlow, NSW, which has been told to evacuate. Nine
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack's Riverina electorate is close to the town, and visited residents to urge them to listen to warnings.
"If they haven't got the ability to defend their home, or if they're in an area where they've been advised to leave, then please heed that advice," he said.
"We can always rebuild houses but we can't restore lives."
He has said assistance for rural areas like Batlow, will be offered if they're affected by fires.
The staff at The Batlow Hotel, were also preparing to stay Nine
The nearby town of Tumut has also been told to monitor conditions and have a fire action plan prepared.
The communities of Wondalga and Talbingo have also been told to evacuate by the RFS.
People living in Kunama are also being told to leave towards Tumut.
Evacuation facilities for animals and pets in Wagga Wagga are on offer.
Evacuation centres can be found here.
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