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.”
The fire changes course and cuts off Medowie Road as fire fighters try to contain it. Picture: Peter LorimerSource:News Corp Australia
Fire fighters battling to try to contain a fire off Medowie Road. Picture: Peter LorimerSource:News Corp Australia
After the fire changed course it quickly started gaining the upper hand on fire fighters who were battling to contain it. Picture: Peter LorimerSource:News Corp Australia
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.
Fire fighters on the frontline at Swan Bay get in position to protect property. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
Brigades rush to stop the fire jumping Medowie Road after a sudden wind change. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
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:
The frontline of the fire at Swan Bay burning towards Medowie. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
The fire closed the Pacific Highway in both directions as it headed for Karuah north of Newcastle. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
Kundabung near Kempsey
NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters monitor a back burning operationSource:AAP
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.
The frontline of the fire at Swan Bay burning towards Medowie. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
Lone Pine fire, Port Stephens
Linescan image of Lone Pine fire burning to north side of Karuah Picture: NSW Rural Fire ServiceSource:Twitter
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.
Firefighters at Cessnock. Picture: MJF AustraliaSource:Supplied
Fire hot spots in NSW and the ACTSource:The Daily Telegraph
The fire along the Pacific Highway as it heads for Karuah. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
Rural fire fighters work to contain the blaze on the outskirts of Cessnock. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
Motorists stranded by bushfires at Karuah, north of Newcastle. Picture: Peter LorimerSource:News Corp Australia
The fire ramps up along the Pacific Highway as it heads for Karuah. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
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
Robyn Bradley, Lara Woodward and Makayla Thompson, 8, get ready to evacuate their Karuah home.Source:News Corp Australia
A firey keeps a watchful eye on a blaze at Cessnock. Picture: MJF Productions AustraliaSource:Supplied
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 massive cloud of smoke from the Karuah fire. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source:News Corp Australia
A huge fire moving towards Abernethy. Picture: New South Wales Rural Fire ServiceSource:Twitter
The Lone Pine Fire at Port Stephens burning near the Pacific Highway west of Karuah. Picture: NSW Rural Fire ServiceSource:Twitter
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.”
The Pacific Highway at Swan Bay in Port Stephens yesterday. Picture: AAPSource:AAP
A bush fire burns on a property at Swan Bay in Port Stephens. Picture: AAPSource:AAP
Fire damage from Cessnock. Picture: Peter LorimerSource:News Corp Australia
Originally published as ‘I can’t breathe’: Tourist slammed for fire selfie
