RFS Crews Battle Bushfire At Fingal Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

It's believed a bushfire which tore through the Fingal Bay headland late on Monday night was deliberately lit.

Rural Fire Service crews from Fingal Bay, Soldiers Point and Anna Bay were called to Barry Park off Marine Drive just before 10pm.

They managed to bring the fire under control within about 30 minutes and no properties were under threat.

The fire is listed at Advice level this morning.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

A firefighter tackles the flames at Barry Park on Monday night Picture: Fingal Bay RFS

Shed Destroyed By Fire on Singleton Property, Nine Crews Work to Mop Up Blaze

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A shed has been almost completely destroyed by fire on a rural property in Singleton, at Mount Olive.

Nine fire crews, including two bulk water carriers arrived at the site on Carrowbrook Road just after midday on Tuesday, to find the 10 x 12 metre structure well alight.

The shed stored tractors, and farming equipment.

No one has been injured, with fire crews now working to mop up the blaze.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, and fire investigators are currently still on scene.

UPDATE! Fifth Teenager Charged Over Cessnock McDonalds Fire

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police have now charged a sixth teenager over the Cessnock McDonalds fire.

Following further inquiries, officers went to a home on Mayfield Street at Cessnock on Monday July 27 and arrested a 15-year-old girl.

She was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with damage property by fire and was granted conditional bail to face a children's court on Monday 11 August, 2020.

EARLIER:

A fifth teenager has been charged over allegedly lighting a fire at a Cessnock McDonalds.

About 3.30am on July 19, emergency services were called to the fast food restaurant on Allandale Road, Cessnock, after reports of a fire within the external playground area.

Four teenagers – two boys and two girls – have been charged over the incident. They remain before the courts.

Following ongoing inquiries, a 15-year-old boy attended Cessnock Police Station and was arrested about 2pm on Sunday 26th.

He was charged with damage property by fire and was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 11 August 2020.

Inquiries are continuing into the incident.

UPDATE! Firefighters Called To Large Grass Fire At Pokolbin

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews are mopping up a large grass fire which at one stage threatened to cross Wine Country Drive at Pokolbin.

The fire broke out near McDonalds Road at about 9.30am on Thursday and quickly spread, fanned by strong winds.

Several RFS and NSW Fire and Rescue crews were sent to fight the blaze along with a water-bombing helicopter.

It's taken around an hour to bring under control after burning through 8 hectares.

EARLIER:

Several RFS crews have been called to a large grass fire at Pokolbin.

Firefighters arrived in Wine Country Drive just after 9.30 to find a fast moving fire heading towards the road.

It's already burnt through about 5 hectares after breaking out near McDonalds Road and motorists are being advised to avoid Wine Country Drive due to a large amount of smoke across the road.

Extra resources are on the way including a water bombing helicopter.

The RFS says no properties are under threat at this stage.

Hunter Valley RFS Have Twice The Reason To Celebrate

BY CATHERINE ALLEN

The NSW Rural Fire Service Hunter Valley Team acknowledged the achievements of long-serving volunteers at the official opening of Mangoola station over the weekend.

NSW RFS Senior Assistant Commissioner Bruce McDonald AFSM presented long-service medals to 43 volunteers and officially opened the new station.

The medals were awarded to members of the Hunter Valley Team in recognition of their dedication, commitment and service to the local area.

Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said the recipients accumulated a total of 966 years of service between them and recognised the exceptional level of commitment given by all the volunteers.

"I also thank the family, friends and colleagues of these and all volunteers. We know it takes their support and patience to help Rural Fire Service members do what they do."

Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said the new facility would provide enhanced support to the volunteers and the communities they protect.

"This new station encompasses three tanker bays, meeting rooms, a kitchen and storeroom," Senior Assistant Commissioner McDonald said. 

"The NSW RFS remains committed to providing our volunteer firefighters with the equipment and resources they need to protect their local communities". 

The Royal Fire Service - Hunter Valley Team

House Up In Flames At Mannering Park

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has engulfed a home at Mannering Park this morning.

NSW Fire & Rescue and RFS crews were called to the single story fibro home on Barclay Avenue just after 3.00am to find the house well alight.

Newcastle Fire Command says all occupants have been accounted for.

Firefighters have been hampered by the presence of asbestos, while part of the roof has collapsed.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, but it's not thought to be suspicious.