Masonite Road Fire Updates

BY IAN CROUCH AND JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE 12:30PM

Newcastle Airport has closed to flights again due to fire activity in the area.

UPDATE: Newcastle Airport is closed to flights until 3pm due to bush fire activity in the area. Some airlines are diverting flights, some have replacement bus services. Check with your airlines directly about these arrangements.

— Newcastle Airport (@NTLairport) January 15, 2018

The fire continues to burn at the advice level today as fire crews work to

"Today we have around 130 firefighters from the Rural Fire Service assisted by Fire and Rescue NSW and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and also the RAAF Base Williamtown. These crews are doing an amazing job to protect our community and will continue to work as hard as possible to contain this fire hopefully by this afternoon," said Greg Allan from the RFS.

The main focus is in the north east corner around Richardson Road and Wade Close.

There are still gusty winds hampering crews efforts, but they are continuing to monitor the situation and changing their strategies depending on the weather and the wind.

"It looks like towards the end of this week the temperatures are going to increase, it's looking like the mid 40's in some parts so it's important that you may not have been affected by that fire in the Tomago region, but coming into the latter part of this week with those high temperatures it really is important, we can't stress enough, that you make or update that Bush Fire Survival Plan," said Greg.

The blaze has now torn through 2,296 hectares.

Backburning efforts by @NSWRFS underway at Campvale near Raymond Terrace. Full story with @meredith_gibbs on @nbnnews tonight pic.twitter.com/COOQhKG4NA

— David Threlfo (@David_Threlfo) January 15, 2018

UPDATE 8:30AM

Residents living around Campvale are being advised to remain vigilant despite easing bushfire conditions overnight.

The Masonite Road fire has burnt through more than 2200 hectares since Saturday and has now been downgraded to Advice level after threatening homes around Richardson Road,
Grahamstown Road and Wade Close overnight.

Image MJF Productions.

There are no reports of property damage.

Richardson Road remains closed in both directions between Grahamstown Road and Medowie Road.

Around 140 firefighters are backburning in a bid to strengthen containment lines.

However, Greg Allan from the Rural Fire Service says strong winds are again forecast for today.

"Today we've got a very high fire danger rating for the Greater Hunter area with wind gusts getting up to around 50 kilometres per hour. So, firefighters will assess the situation - through the morning things could change but we'll certainly work on strengthening those containment lines and with the assistance of water bombing aircraft hopefully this fire will be brought to containment as soon as possible," he said.

There is nothing but praise for the hundreds of firefighters who have been working on the fire ground getting it under control.

 "Not only the Rural Fire Service but also the assistance of Fire and Rescue, National Parks and Wildlife and the Williamtown RAAF Base there as well, everyone getting together to do what they can. Currently, we have around 140 firefighters, we have certainly seen hundreds of firefighters do what they can over the last couple of days to protect the area and our communities and keep them safe," said Greg.

Image MJF Productions.

Newcastle Airport has reopened today with flights as usual after two days interruptions.

The Rural Fire Service is warning residents in Medowie they may experience smokey conditions throughout the day.

Image MJF Productions.