Homes Destroyed In Girvan Bushfire

BY OLIVIA DILLON

There's been mixed reactions among Girvan residents today, after a major fire tore though bushland Southeast of Stroud overnight. 

RFS crews have been carrying out a fire ground assessment off Booral Road today (Tuesday the 17th of October, 2023), as they work to determine how many homes were damaged or destroyed by the blaze. 

The fire has now burned through more than 700 hectares of bushland and was at one stage upgraded to Watch and Act level. 

Although it's since been downgraded to Advice level, it's still yet to be extinguished by firefighters. 

Local Cheryl Graves, says some residents were given 5 minutes to evacuate their homes last night, as the fire started threatening properties.

She says while her home was able to be saved, others nearby weren't so lucky. 

"A lady up the back, we were standing up the road with her yesterday... their house is gone, she's lost her house," she said. 

"It's just on the ground; it's burned to the ground."

As crews continue battling the blaze, Mrs. Graves, says her home wouldn't have been saved without the help and dedication of local firefighters. 

"When you see the devastation around our house, you just realise how close it was to going into our house; although our house is brick it's just unreal.

You just look out into the yard and think how lucky we are to have a house to sleep in tonight at least," Mrs Graves said. 

It's not yet been confirmed how many homes have been lost in the fires. 

Lovedale Bushfire Threatens Homes

BY OLIVIA DILLON

More than 70 firefighters and 27 trucks worked to contain a bushfire which broke out at Lovedale yesterday.

The blaze on Talga Road was updated to "Watch and Act" at about 2:10pm when it began threatening nearby properties.

A spokesperson from the NSW Rural Fire Service has told The Newcastle Herald, at its peak, there was a truck positioned at every neighboring home around the then 21-hectare fire. 

It's since been upgraded to a 48-hectare blaze.

It was one of six fires which burned across the Hunter yesterday (Tuesday the 26th of September, 2023) and was brought back to "Alert" level just before 4:00pm. 

Fire Destroys Restaurant at Tamburlaine Winery

BY OLIVIA DILLON

RFS and Fire and Rescue crews have spent the night battling a structure fire at a winery at Pokolbin.

Emergency Services were called to Tamburlaine Winery on McDonalds Road at about 9:30pm, following reports a fire had broken-out in the restaurant area near the property's dam.

It's reported part of the building has collapsed, and it took more than 20 trucks over four hours to contain the blaze.

No one was injured however NSW Ambulance Services were also on-site, and investigations are now underway as to the cause of the fire.

 

 

 

Shed engulfed in early morning Holmesville fire

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Firefighters have managed to extinguish a blaze which engulfed a shed at Holmesville on Saturday morning.

Fire crews were called to the scene at Apple Tree Road at 4:20am.

The fire was contained to a single unattached shed at the rear of the property.

A pump and a tanker attended the scene, managing to control the blaze in just over an hour, despite the presence of fuel and gasoline in the shed.

No one was injured in the incident.

Image credit: Cameron Park RFS.

Fire Warning Issued for The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The NSW Rural Fire Service is warning of an increased risk of grassfires in the Hunter this weekend, with hot and dry weather expected. 

Temperatures are expected to reach 34 degrees in Newcastle on Saturday, and will remain high throughout next week. 

Landholders in the region are asked to be cautious, especially when using machinery outdoors. 

They're also asked to ensure they have an up-to-date fire safety plan. 

NSW RFS Inspector Mark Denton, said it's important to be prepared. 

"Every landholder should be prepared for fire and have firefighting equipment on hand, such as a full knapsack, spray pumper or a handheld fire extinguisher, each in good working order," he said.  

Residents are also reminded to download the state government's new Hazards Near Me NSW app. 

BREAKING! Former Convent At Bulahdelah Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have launched an investigation after the former convent at St Joseph's Primary School at Bulahdelah was destroyed by fire overnight.

Two Fire and Rescue crews from Tea Gardens along with five RFS crews were called to the property on Bulahdelah Way just after midnight to find the former nun's residence well alight.

It's taken firefighters almost 2 hours to get the fire under control.

Police say a tenant who was leasing the convent building from the Catholic Diocese of Maitland Newcastle was not at home and no-one was injured.

The fire was contained to the building and the school has not been impacted by the blaze.

Forensic crews will be called in to determine the cause of the fire.

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Popular Holiday Village At Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a caravan at a popular holiday village at Port Stephens early this morning (Wednesday 12 May 2021).

Fire and Rescue and RFS crews were called to the Island Leisure Village at Fenninghams Island near Bobs Farm just after 2.00am to find a 15 X 8 metre van under an awning well alight.

They took just over an hour to extinguish the flames - vans either side were affected by heat and smoke.

Crews also protected two gas cylinders at risk from the flames.

There were no occupants in the van when the fire broke out and no-one was injured.

Police say it's likely the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Brokenwood Wines At Pokolbin

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to reports of a fire at a major Hunter Valley winery.

Newcastle Fire Command say they received a triple-oh call from a security guard at 3.40am on Tuesday who noticed smoke coming from the roof of a two storey building at Brokenwood Wines on McDonalds Road at Pokolbin.

Six fire trucks and several RFS crews are at the scene.

Crews report steam coming from a cooling tower.

A ladder platform from Newcastle Fire Station was called in to assist with an inspection of the roof space and all crews have since been stood down and returned to their stations.

Driver Injured In Truck Crash At Mount White

 BY IAN CROUCH

Motorists heading north on the M1 Pacific Motorway can expect delays as emergency services deal with a truck crash and fire at Mount White.

A semi-trailer loaded with paper ran off the motorway through a guard rail and into the bush just after 1.00am on Wednesday, about 1km south of the weigh station.

The rig burst into flames, with the fire spreading to nearby bushland.

The driver managed to escape but he's been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

One of three northbound lanes are closed as the cleanup and salvage operation gets under way. 

 

The mangled wreck of the burnt out truck. Picture Kariong RFS

Register Your Pools, Water Tanks and Dams to Help Local Fire Crews this Bush Fire Season

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter residents are being urged to help out local fire crews this bush fire season, by signing up the Static Water Supply (SWS) program.

Those with a pool, water tank or dam which can be used for firefighting purposes are urged to register. 

Station Officer Anthony Picone said with the bushfire season approaching, it is a good opportunity to remind residents living in high bushfire risk areas to identify where their pool, tank or dam is as part of the program. 

“During a bushfire, the backyard pool can provide an ideal emergency water supply for firefighters to protect your home and possessions,” he said. 

“By signing up to the Static Water Supply program, you’re helping firefighters locate these vital water resources when they need it most."

“Your pool will only be used as a last resort.” 

Station Officer Picone said as the weather starts to get warmer, the program was an important part of bushfire preparations. 

“After signing up, residents will be given a free SWS sign to display prominently on their letterbox so that it’s clearly visible to firefighters from the road,” he said. 

“And don’t forget to download and complete a Bushfire Survival Plan, which will help you and your family make important decisions about what to do during a bushfire before it’s too late.” 

Get in contact with your local fire station now to sign up, receive your free sign and be bushfire ready.

To download a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=4073

                                                                       Image Credit: stuff.co.nz

Newcastle's Westpac Rescue Helicopter Called To Building Fire On Mid North Coast

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue has flown a man to hospital after he suffered significant burns in an early-morning fire on the Mid North Coast.

Firefighters were called to The Boulevard at Tallwoods Village north of Forster just after 5.00am on Wednesday where a fire in a granny flat had spread to a clubhouse next door.

A 47-year-old man was rescued from the granny flat - he's suffered burns to his hands and face and has been airlifted to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious condition.

It took two Fire & Rescue and three RFS crews more than 4 hours to extinguish and mop up the fire which destroyed the granny flat and clubhouse.

The fire engulfed a granny flat and adjoining clubhouse Picture: NBN News

BREAKING! Truck Fire Closes Southbound Lanes of M1 at Calga

BY IAN CROUCH

The southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway are closed at Calga due to a truck fire.

A truck loaded with scrap metal caught alight at about 4.45am on Monday about 1km from the southbound side of the Mooney Mooney Bridge.

Fire crews are using foam to douse the flames and a heavy hazmat unit is on the way.

Police say the driver has not been injured.

There is heavy southbound traffic on the M1 which is being diverted onto Peats Ridge Road and rejoining the freeway at Calga.

Truck Fire Closes Northbound Lanes of M1 at Freemans Waterhole

BY IAN CROUCH

A salvage operation is under way after a truck loaded with supermarket groceries went up in flames on the M1 at Freemans Waterhole.

Police say the B-Double was travelling in the northbound lanes just past Freemans Drive when an axle on the trailer caught fire just before 11.00pm on Monday.

The driver managed to escape unharmed as the fire quickly took hold, destroying the trailer and its contents.

The northbound lanes of the M1 are closed with traffic diversions in place on Freemans Drive and Palmers Road.

Thousands of dollars worth of groceries were lost in the fire Picture: NBN News

UPDATE! Crews Working To Contain Large Bushfire At Taylors Beach

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews have now contained the Taylors Beach fire which has burnt through 242 hectares.

EARLIER:

Firefighters have worked through the night in an effort to control a large bushfire near Nelson Bay.

The fire, which is being treated as suspicious, broke out on Friday in swampland off Shearwater Drive at Taylors Beach.

It's just been downgraded to Advice after burning at Watch and Act since about 10.00pm on Sunday.

Around 15 RFS trucks are working on the blaze which has burnt out 218 hectares so far - no properties are under threat.

RFS Superintendent Martin Siemsen says the fire is burning slowly in an easterly direction towards Salamander Bay.

"Crews are conducting backburning operations in and around Horizons Golf Resort and along Nelson Bay Road to try and contain this fire within the identified containment areas at Taylors Beach. We've got forecast south southwesterly winds later this morning that we've got some concerns with," he said.

Nelson Bay Road remains open however motorists are urged to drive with caution due to smoke in the area.

The Taylors Beach Fire burning close to units at Horizons Golf Resort Picture: Soldiers Point RFS

BREAKING! Fire Crews Called To Blaze At Irrawang High School

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have been called to reports of a fire at Irrawang High School at Raymond Terrace.

Fire & Rescue crews from Raymond Terrace and Tarro and an RFS crew were called to the school in Mount Hall Road just before 5.00am on Wednesday, arriving to find smoke coming from the administration building.

They found a pile of copy paper alight inside and quickly doused the flames.

The fire has not caused significant damage and the building has been ventilated.

It's expected the school will open as usual this morning.

Police are treating the blaze as suspicious.

Crews Called To Truck Fire On Hunter Expressway at Seahampton

BY IAN CROUCH

Quick work by a passing motorist has prevented a grocery truck fire from spreading to its load at Seahampton.

The rear axle of the semi-trailer caught alight in the westbound lanes of the Hunter Expressway near Seahampton Road at about 4.15am on Friday.

The motorist used a dry chemical extinguisher to quell the flames while fire crews from Holmesville and the RFS arrived to finish dousing the flames and cool the brake system.

One lane of the expressway was closed for a short time but has since been re-opened.

BREAKING! Driver Trapped In Crash At Freemans Waterhole

BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services have been called to a serious crash at Freemans Waterhole.

A car left Freemans Drive and crashed into a tree near Osland Road at about 4.50am on Wednesday, trapping the driver who was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The 75-year-old man has been released from the wreckage and has been transported by road ambulance to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition suffering neck, chest and abdominal injuries.

UPDATE! Fatal Crash Sparks Bushfire at Pelaw Main Emergency Warning Issued

BY IAN CROUCH

8PM UPDATE:

The fire at Pelaw Main has been downgraded to Watch and Act Level.

Conditions have eased allowing firefighters to gain the upper hand on the blaze.

RFS Crews have stopped the fire at Richmond Vale Road, which still remains closed. Several other roads have now re-opened in the area.

Residents in and around the Averys Lane are urged to stay vigilant, as conditions could change. The fire remains at Watch and Act Level and residents should enact their bushfire survival plan.

Crews are hoping to keep the fire contained and reduce it to advice level. Firefighters are preparing for warm windy weather tomorrow.

There are no reports of loss or damage to property in the area.

7PM UPDATE:

The fire at Pelaw Main remains burning at an Emergency Level.

Fire is burning East from Leggets Drive and has burnt through around 200 hectares and is likely to keep growing.

Around 30 homes are potentially under threat around Averys Lane at Buchanan.

Residents are being advised to take shelter in a sold structure as the fire approaches.

The latest advice from the Rural Fire Service is that the fire has spotted to the east of Leggats Drive in an area known as The Dam on the western side of Richmond Vale Road.

Crews have managed to stop the fire at Richmond Vale Road however there are still fires burning to the north and south of the main fire front.

There are no reports of any property loss or damage at this stage. Around 30 homes are potentially under threat.

There are several road closures including Richmond Vale Road, Leggetts Drive, George Booth Drive  and Sheppeard Drive.

One of the Large Air Tankers at the Pelaw Main bush providing valuable support to firefighters on the ground who are working to slow the spread of the fire. Image: Rural Fire Service

6PM UPDATE:

An Emergency Warning has been issued for a fire burning at Pelaw Main.

The fire is burning in the area of Leggettts Drive and is heading in an easterly direction towards Avery Lane at Stanford Merthyr.

Residents are being advised that it is too late to leave and to seek shelter as the fire approaches and to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.

The advice also applies for residents at Richmond Vale.

The RFS says around 25 homes are under threat around Averys Lane

Earlier:

Firefighters are battling a bushfire at Pelaw Main.

NSW Fire and Rescue and RFS crews were called to reports of a car on fire due to a crash on Leggetts Drive at about 10.30am on Tuesday.

It's believed one person has died in the crash

The fire has since jumped Leggetts Drive and is burning on both sides of the road with the fire heading in an easterly direction.

It's understood the fire has burnt through 6 hectares and is being fanned by gusty westerly winds.

Leggetts Drive has been closed in both directions south of Neath Street.

Extra resources are on the way and the RFS has requested a helitanker to assist ground crews.

There are no reports of properties under threat at this stage.

Image: Kel Hanson via RFS

House Destroyed By Fire At East Branxton

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are treating a fire which destroyed a house at East Branxton early Wednesday as suspicious.

18 fire trucks were called to the single level timber and iron house on Vineyard Haven Parade just after 1.30am to find the home well alight.

4 occupants managed to escape unharmed.

It's believed the fire started in the rear of the building.

It's taken crews 2 hours to extinguish and mop up the fire

Woman Injured In Bad Crash At Freemans Waterhole

BY IAN CROUCH

A woman has been taken to hospital after a bad crash at Freeman's Waterhole early this morning.

The 27-year-old was driving along Palmers Road about 1 kilometre west of the M1 around 4.00am when she lost control and slammed into a tree.

She was trapped in the wreckage for about half an hour before being freed and taken to the John Hunter Hospital by road ambulance in a stable condition suffering a broken left arm and chest pain.