Summer backpacking in the blue mountains

No....

I would say what are the forcasted temps when preparing to leave,as a resident of the mts my experience says that some days can have 4 seasons in one day other days hot or just cold,so you need to be prepared,and observe any fire weather warnings especially the new catastrophic warning what ever that means and importantly register with authorities your intended itinery before leaving.
Russell

Difficult question to answer, in principal walking at any time is okay, but dependent on other things at the time like weather...It is all in the planning and dependent on where you are going and what conditions are like at that time.

Weather forecasts over a few days are pretty reliable these days.

Have look at the forecast - if the temeperature is going to be below 30 degrees and there are no strong winds forecast, then it's unlikely you will have a high fire danger. Also look at Fire Danger Forecasts.

Keep in mind that the Fire Danger Ratings in NSW will be updated for this summer.

The new levels are -
Low-Moderate
High
Very High
Severe - fires will be uncontrollable and move quickly.
Extreme
Catastrophic

If you don't have your own GPS EPIRB then pick one up for free at Katoomba Police Station or Blackheath National Parks Office.

Having a bushfire heading towards you in heavy bush means your life is in immediate danger - if you have no Mobile Phone contact, set off the EPIRB so someone knows where you are.

Don't think you will find the EPIRBs are actually free. They are LOANED by authorities to those without adequate resources. They have to be returned and deposit wll be refunded.

My concern would be the bushfires and getting bacught in one you dont know about.

I think that you are overreacting a bit, as long as you tell the relevant authorities and provide them with an itinery you should be OK especially if you take an eprib. Don't rely on creek water either.

I was Blue Mtns born and raised and lived and worked there until just on 2 years ago.
I was also a member of the NSW Rurual Fire Service for over 20 yrs and I can tell you that the Blue Mtns crews are the best equiped and trained in the country. Even with similar conditions to what Vic had earlier, when was the last time you heard of a life lost in the BM.
Vince will back me up on this statement and I'm sure that there are more RFS members from the BM on this site too.

Cheers
Dave

Think you answered you own question ......


Boc