The Wambelong Fire has raged across 39,007 hectares (93,388 acres) in New South Wales (NSW) burning through Warrumbungle National Park and other lands west of Coonabarabran.
NSW Rural Fire Service Building Impact Assessment Teams have confirmed 33 structures in the Timor Road area have been destroyed, although this number is likely to change as crews continue their assessments. More than 50 outbuildings have also burned, as well as a large number of livestock and farm machinery.
Approximately five structures at the Siding Spring Observatory complex have been damaged or destroyed by the fire, including the visitor center and the lodge used as accommodations for visiting researchers. The main telescope has survived, although it is not known if it has been damaged.
The fire is spreading in a northerly direction away from Timor Road and the observatory and is currently burning in the Bugaldie area.
Properties to the west of the the Warrumbungle National Park may come under direct threat if firefighters cannot contain the fire on the western boundary of the National Park.
Approximately 83 firefighters supported by aircraft worked to establish containment lines throughout the afternoon and evening on Monday.
Below is a video news report about the fire.
Deja Vu all over again: the Mount Stromblo Observatory outside of Canberra was burned over during the 2003 bushfires in the Australian Capital Territory.