Conditions have eased overnight around Tanilba Bay, Lemon Tree Passage and Mallabula where a large bushfire threatened dozens of homes.
The fire has burnt through 1535 hectares and is currently listed at Advice level.
Crews have worked through the night to carry out tactical backburning along Lemon Tree Passage Road near Oyster Farm Road and Rutile Road near Tanilba Avenue. Backburning has also been carried out behind homes in Tilligerry Track, where more than 70 homes came under threat last night along with about a dozen homes and a caravan park in Oyster Farm Road. These backburning operations are continuing.
Lemon Tree Passage Road has been re-opened but motorists are advised to be aware of fire crews working in the area as well as smoke hazards.
There are currently 70 firefighters and 20 fire trucks from the RFS and Fire & Rescue NSW working on the fire ground. It's expected more resources will be tasked to the area throughout the day.
At the time of writing, (9.00am Sunday) air crews were completing their morning briefing prior to taking to the skies over the fire ground. Three waterbombing helicopters and a fixed-wind aircraft will support efforts on the ground to strengthen containment lines.
While the weather conditions are relatively calm at the moment, the RFS expects conditions to deteriorate as the day progresses. Currently, the winds are from the north-west and are gusting at times up to 40-50 kilometres per hour and the relative humidity is 40%. However, the winds are expected to pick up and swing around from the south-west during the morning and the forecast relative humidity is expected to drop to about 20% which will likely see the fire danger increase. A Very High Fire Danger is expected today ahead of continuing dry and windy conditions.
The RFS is advising residents to remain vigilant, continue to monitor the situation closely and take the advice of firefighters on the ground. Residents should also be prepared to initiate their Bushfire Survival Plan if the situation changes and, if they want to leave their homes, to do so early.
There are no reports of property damage, however a Building Impact Assessment Team is about to begin work.
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| Fire Lights Up The Night Sky Around Tanilba Bay. Picture: Port Stephens Examiner |
