Firefighter crews from Wagga, Harden and Cootamundra at Harden bitumen tank fire

Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector, Phil Eberle, said they received the call at about 3pm on Tuesday afternoon. 

“On arrival, there was black smoke issuing from the tank and council initiated emergency response and evacuated the work site,” he said. 

“FRNSW put in safety measures with restricted access areas and put out any little spot fires.

“Due to the potential volume of the product, we’ve stopped people coming into the area and we have put the lid down to stop water from the storm getting in.”

Inspector Eberle said they will continue to monitor it using pinpoint thermal imaging. 

Severe weather conditions have hit Cootamundra and Harden, with multiple incidents being called in said Inspector Eberle. 

“We have assisted at three local motor vehicle accidents,” he said.

“It is is a testament to the awesome work of police and FRNSW.” 

Crews are also helping a pregnant woman and her father-in-law who are cut off by flood waters. 

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