Fires continue to burn across northern NSW1:35
NSW firefighters are pictured on scene in Medowie as bushfires continue to burn near Medowie
NSW bushfires: Firefighters battling dozens of huge blazes across the state
- 46 bushfires across NSW, 19 remain uncontained
- 600+ firefighters battling major blazes
- Port Stephens fire area stretches 80km
- Westerly, north-westerly winds danger warning
AS more than 600 firefighters battle 48 blazes across NSW, authorities are pleading with the public to stop taking selfies in front of the flames.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons asked for people to put safety first after a selfie and video of a man surrounded by fire went viral. “Use some common sense,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.
“If you come across a fire think about survival, not selfies.”
12PM MON UPDATE - 46 bush and grass fires, 15 uncontained. 2 at Watch & Act. 600+ firefighters in field. https://t.co/3QyPI7MMRj #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/jCT6uKMChH
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 7, 2016
Firefighters are battling 14 out-of-control fires in NSW, a RFS spokesman told AAP.
The largest of these is the Lone Pine fire near Port Stephens, which has burned through more than 6500 hectares of bush, with fears it could worsen in hot, windy conditions predicted for Monday afternoon.
The RFS has issued very high fire danger warnings for the greater Sydney region, the Hunter, the far north coast and the southern Riverina.
Hot and windy weather is creating more hazardous conditions for hundreds of firefighters battling dozens of bushfires blazing across NSW today.
Temperatures above 30C in Sydney and much of NSW accompanied by hot north-westerly winds were hampering fireys battling several fire fronts.
RFS Commissioner Fitzsimmons said firefighters were preparing for a tough day in the area.
“Westerly, north-westerly winds are going to present some real challenges for people in that area and, of course, the firefighters working on that fire ground,” Mr Fitzsimmons told Nine News.
The dry winds were coming from central Australia.
“That’s the recipe for elevated fire behaviour and increased chances of fire spreading beyond identified containment lines,” he said.
The following fronts were of particular concern to firefighters:
Kundabung near Kempsey
The Pacific Highway has reopened after fire burnt across containment lines threatening a small number of isolated rural properties in the area.
Residents in the area have been placed on Watch and Act with the threat of embers possibly starting spot fires ahead of the main fire front.
Firefighters are working in the area are being assisted by waterbombing aircraft.
Karuah, Swan Bay and Medowie
Residents of Limeburners Creek, Karuah, Swan Bay and Nine Mile Creek are being urged to stay alert and follow the advice of firefighters.
The Pacific Highway has reopened after it was closed in both directions between Bulahdelah and Twelve Mile Creek on the weekend, but authorities are advising caution for those planning on using it today.
With north-westerly winds blowing up to 25km/h later today, parts of the semirural towns of Medowie and Swan Bay could be affected.
Lone Pine fire, Port Stephens
Another main concern is the Lone Pine fire in Port Stephens, which put the town of Karuah under threat yesterday and forced the closure of the Pacific Highway for most of the day.
NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman John Redman said the fire remained at a “watch and act” level of warning, mainly due to its size.
Lone Pine (Port Stephens) fire has a perimeter of around 120 kilometres. Lots of hard work ahead for firefighters. 30+ temps today. #NSWRFS
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 6, 2016
“But at the moment, where we are sitting now, it doesn’t look like it’s going to get anywhere near property,” Mr Redman said.
“That might change, but that’s how it is at the moment.”
Fires rage across NSW Central Coast1:15
NSW firefighters are pictured on scene in Medowie as bushfires continue to rage across the NSW Central Coast.
At the height of yesterday’s drama, the Pacific Highway north of Newcastle was closed, and the small town of Karuah was completely cut off.
Terrified residents were told to pack their valuables and be ready to evacuate. And thousands of motorists were forced to leave the area as smoke and burning embers billowed across the main highway.
SIZZLING SYDNEY TO HIT 31C TODAY: AMAZING DRONE PHOTOS
Grandmother Robyn Bradley said it was one of the worst fires in the area in almost 30 years. She heaped praise on the fireys for their skill and courage.
“They do a fantastic job these guys,” she said. “They put their lives on the line to protect us.”
About 120 people sought shelter at the Karuah RSL, including a busload of 35 people who couldn’t leave town because of the fire, and another six who were forced to evacuate their homes.
The causes of yesterday’s fires at Cessnock and near Karuah are yet to be determined, but with three people arrested over two other separate fires in Port Stephens and Sydney, authorities repeated their warning that firebugs faced substantial jail terms.
“If you’re going to light fires with the intent of causing destruction, we will find you,” A NSW RFS spokesman said.
“You have never had a greater chance of being caught and we will make sure you are brought before the courts to feel the full weight of the law.”
