Bush Fire Closes Victoria Parade At Nelson Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Victoria Parade at Nelson Bay is closed to traffic following an overnight bush fire.

A Fire and Rescue crew from Salamander Bay and an RFS team from Fingal Bay were called to Fly Point at about 10.00pm to find a large area of bush alight.

Newcastle Fire Command says no homes or property was under threat, although a large gum tree is in danger of falling, prompting the closure of Victoria Parade.

It took crews about 4 hours to bring the fire under control, which burnt through a 100 x 30 metre area of bush.

Lower Hunter Bush Fire Danger Period begins today

BY JARROD MELMETH

Although there is rain forecast for the rest of the day, the Bush Fire Danger Period officially begins for the Lower Hunter on Friday. 

This area includes the Cessnock, Dungog, Maitland and Port Stephens local government areas, where landholders will be required to obtain a permit before conducting burns on their properties.

Permits are free and are provided by the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Inspector David Millsteed says residents and land managers should now start preparing for the threat of  bush and grass fires.

"This means doing simple things like cleaning your gutters, removing combustibles from your yard, ensuring hoses can reach all corners of your property and completing or updating your bush fire survival plan, so you and your family know what you will do in the event of a bush fire.

“I encourage households to update their bush fire survival plan and make sure the whole family 

knows what to do when faced with a fire. It could save your lives. Ask yourself, when you will go, 

what you will take and where will you go," Insp Millsteed said.

Information about hazard reduction burning, required notifications and obtaining permits is available on the NSW RFS website.

Funding To Support Communities Impacted By Black Summer Bushfires

BY LAURA RUMBEL 

Like many other communities across New South Wales, Dungog and the Hunter felt the impact of the Black Summer bushfires. 

With almost $5 million available through Stage Two of the Bushfire Recovery fund, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton and Upper Hunter Council areas will all receive funding to support bushfire recovery across their impacted communities. 

$900,000 dollars of the funding will contribute towards the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Recovery and Resilience program. 

The tourism project aims to improve destination perception, increase consumer demand, raise sales value, and boost domestic tourism across the Hunter. 

Nationals' Candidate for the Hunter James Thomson says he is happy see some funding allocate locally.

"There is a diversity of projects but it's all about supporting the Cessnock community and making sure that our communities get back up on their feet after the bushfires," Mr Thomson said

Member for Upper Hunter David Layzell said, it's fantastic to see these vital community projects receive this funding as people continue to rebuild their lives following the black summer bushfires that destroyed homes in our region and damaged many more.

Source: Newcastle Weekly 

Lake Macquarie bushland bounces back after black Summer fires

BY JAMES CARTER

Rain has boosted the recovery of Lake Macquarie bushland affected by the Black Summer fires in 2020, with new imaging surveys showing flora and fauna returning to the area. 

Fire ripped through over 400 hectares of bush near Wangi Wangi on New Year's Eve in 2019, with firefighters controlling the blaze over four days. 

A recent survey of the land has captured the recovery of flora and fauna over the past 18 months.

Lake Macquarie City Council Senior Natural Assets Officer Dominic Edmonds says Gymea lillies, grass trees and banksias were among the plant species thriving once again.

"The idea is to manage the weed throughout the site so that the biodiversity gets the best outcome, we get an increase  amount of native species and a decrease in weed species.

"In the event of another fire in the next 5 or so years will mean that the biodiversity outcomes will be better than they were previously," Mr Edmonds said.

Favourable weather conditions have assisted recovery of the land and Mr Edmonds says the bush regeneration, erosion and access management programs have all helped the significant response from the site. 

"We have a range of threatened species, both flora and fauna on site and we have seen excellent recovery in both of those in the year since fire, particularly due to the amount of rain we have had this year," Mr Edmonds said.

Lake Macquarie Council is trialing an online platform to enable residents to check their property's bushfire risk at the click of a button. 

The site will use cutting-edge aerial infra-red, thermal and high-resolution imagery of bushland across the local government area and will allow residents to check their risk before ringing council for an inspection. 

The pilot project, funded through the NSW Government’s Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund, has already attracted the interest of other councils throughout NSW and will cover a study area between Belmont and Glendale.

The online application is expected to go live later this year. 

The Awaba bushfire site in 2021
Image: Supplied

The same Awaba site 18 months earlier
Image: Supplied

Massive Bushfire At Putty Remains Out Of Control

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews battling the massive bushfire in the Wollemi National Park near Putty are preparing for another day of hot and dry conditions.

A Total Fire Ban has been extended until midnight tonight, with a very high fire danger expected.

The fire has burnt through more than 8,000 hectares.

Crews have worked overnight to strengthen containment lines, with heavy earthmoving equipment and water-bombing aircraft helping in the effort today, especially on the northern edge of the fire.

The fire remains out of control and The Rural Fire Service still has it listed at the Advice warning level.

Residents living on rural properties in the area are being advised to monitor conditions.

A Water-Bombing Helicopter Heads Back To The Massive Fire Picture: theherald.com.au

Bushfire Threatens Stockton Residents

BY IAN CROUCH

Anxious Stockton residents have breathed a sigh of relief as a bushfire came within 150 metres of homes yesterday afternoon.

The blaze broke out just before 1.30pm and burnt through 4 hectares near Fort Wallace fanned by strong winds before being brought under control.

Heavy smoke from the fire blocked Fullerton Street for about two hours, with 10 fire trucks deployed to fight the blaze.

Thick Smoke Blows Across Fullerton Street Picture; theherald.com.au

Mount Tomaree On Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

A spectacular bush fire has lit up the night sky on the Tomaree Peninsula at Port Stephens.

The fire broke out at about 5.30 yesterday afternoon and has burnt through about 200 square metres of bush to the top of Mount Tomaree.

It's understood no properties are under threat, with the fire listed at Advice level and being controlled.

Police say two helicopters are being brought in this morning to help fight the blaze.

The Tomaree Headland has been closed to the public.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

Mount Tomaree Ablaze Last Night Picture:Facebook

Bushfire near Edgeworth being treated as Suspicious

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A bushfire burning near Minmi Road at Edgeworth is now within containment lines.

The fire has is being treated as suspicious, started by a car fire on Saturday.

"The car fire is looking like it may have been lit on purpose so fire investigators both from the Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire and Rescue will work with police to obtain what evidence they can to determine if it was actually malicious and follow up as required," said Superintendent Josh Turner from NSW Fire and Rescue.

At its peak, the fire burnt through more than 150 hectares.

Around 20 Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service stayed on the ground overnight and this morning bringing the fire into containment lines.

"Doing a controlled back burn from containment lines which were put in around Link Road and Minmi Road,"

"Senior officers will inspect the site and get some new information this morning to make further strategies on what should be done today to fully extinguish this fire," said Superintendent Turner.

The fire poured heavy smoke over the area late yesterday afternoon and a westbound lane of the M1 had to be closed.

The fire is listed as being at Advice level by the RFS.

Looking north towards the blaze from Edgeworth.

NSW RFS crews are assisting Fire & Rescue NSW at a fire burning near Link Rd, Edgeworth (Newcastle). Smoke will be visible in the area, however no properties are currently at threat. One lane of Link Road is currently closed. Please monitor conditions in the area. pic.twitter.com/cRWfuburLP

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 28, 2018

Bushfire Relief Funding for Thousands of Affected Hunter Residents

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Thousands of people affected by bushfires in the Hunter will now be able to apply for disaster relief funding.

The State Government has announced disaster assistance is now available to Hunter residents affected by the Chichester Dam and Main Creek Road fires in Dungog, and the Mount Helen fire in the Upper Hunter.

The assistance for eligible residents, local councils and producers includes:
- help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged
- support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
- concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations
- freight subsidies for primary producers, and
- grants to eligible non-profit organisations.

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said thousands of homes and properties were damaged and so the funding will go a long way.

"It will assist both councils and private landowners to be able to recover things like fencing, you might need feed and stock, things like that and those sorts of assistance measures are very very important to help people recover,"

"Affected landowners and councils when they apply will be able to see exactly what their damage requirements and improvements are and they'll be able to see when they apply when they will be eligible for. The best thing to do is have a look at the website," said Michael Johnsen.

To see if you're eligible and for more information head to the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website: www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

Image MJF Productions.

Firefighters gain the Upper Hand on Bushfire near Howes Valley

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Fire fighters are gaining the upper hand on a blaze burning in remote bush southwest of Singleton.

The fire near Howes Valley was upgraded to Watch and Act yesterday evening, but thankfully was downgraded late last night as fire activity subsided.

The blaze has now burnt through more than 3,500 hectares in difficult terrain, and the Rural Fire Service says there are a couple of isolated properties within the fire area, but at the stage no homes are under threat.


"The winds haven't been too bad but its certainly been really hot and dry in the area," said an RFS spokesperson.

Crews remain on the fire ground monitoring the conditions.

The advice from the RFS is to follow the advice of firefighters in the area and check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan.

Image MJF Productions.

Bush goes up in Flames in Cameron Park

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Fire crews have extinguished a blaze at Cameron Park early this morning.

Firefighters were called to Springvale Circuit at 4am, after half an acre a bush went up in flames.

No properties were threatened and it took about an hour to extinguish the flames.

Tomago Bushfire update Tuesday 16th January

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Fire crews are continuing back burning operations today at the Tomago bushfire in a bid to bring the blaze into containment lines before the hot weather strikes again at the end of the week.

"Crews continue backburning on the northern side of Newcastle airport, between the airport and Richardson Road. Residents will notice an increase in smoke as aerial (so-called fire-bombs) are dropped from helicopters to burn any remaining bush," said RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd.

Richardson Road has now reopened, but there is reportedly a 40km/hr speed limit in place.

Image MJF Productions.

"We are moving to hopefully have the fire contained by today or tomorrow and that's ahead of some potentially warm and windy weather across the weekend where we could start to see temperatures drive towards the 40 degrees mark so we're working to have all of this work done ahead of that potentially increased fire risk," said Inspector Shepherd.

The blaze has now burnt through more than 2,300 hectares of land.

Due to the strong southerly winds smoke from the fire continues to blow across to the Medowie area.

The RFS is also advising residents in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road and Wade Close, Campvale to continue to monitor the situation and take the advice from fire crews on the ground.

The Rural Fire Service is reminding residents not only in the area but across the state that we are in peak fire season and it's pivotal to have your Bush Fire Survival Plan ready or make one if you don't have one.

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.

UPDATES: Tomago bushfire at EMERGENCY level once again

BY JESSICA ROUSE

For the latest update Monday 15th January: Masonite Road Fire updates

UPDATE 7:30PM

Thanks to some easing conditions on the fire ground, crews are gaining the upper hand so the bushfire at Tomago has been downgraded from EMERGENCY to WATCH AND ACT.

It's still labelled as being OUT OF CONTROL.

The blaze continues to burn to the north of Newcastle Airport in the vicinity of Wade Close, Campvale, Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive and Medowie Road. Residents are being advised to continue to monitor the situation and take the advice from firefighters on the ground.

Strong southerly winds are expected to continue through the night pushing the blaze north.

Residents in the area are being advised to make sure they have a Bush Fire Survival Plan in place and know how to use it if necessary.


UPDATE 6:50PM

The Rural Fire Service has just issued an EMERGENCY WARNING to residents on Masonite Road. Fire crews are on the ground working to protect homes and the Very Large Air Tanker 'Nancy Bird' is helping crews as well to slow the spread of the blaze.

The fire is also being fought close to homes in Wade Close as the fire continues to burn north fanned by southerly winds.

The latest advice from the RFS at 6:26pm:

"Monitor conditions in your area.

Residents in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road and Wade Close, Campvale, are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.

Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.

Residents in the vicinity of Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, are advised to continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground."

Emergency Warning: Masonite Rd, Tomago fire. Linescan image displays active area of fire. The image shows the fire has reached the area near Wade Cl, Campvale. Firefighters in position to protect homes & Very Large Air Tanker is working on fire front to slow its spread. #NSWRFS

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 14, 2018

UPDATE 5:30PM

The blaze is now burning OUT OF CONTROL and the RFS has issued a warning to residents in Wade Close, Campvale as the fire is expected to reach them in the next 30 minutes. Fire crews are in position to protect homes.

The advice still stays in place for residents in the Campvale area around Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road, Wade Close are advised to SEEK SHELTER as the fire approaches.

Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan.

UPDATE: 4:40PM

There are currently 136 fire fighters on the ground battling the Tomago blaze.

The Very Large Air Tanker has been assisting as well as other air tankers.

Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service said there is a strong, gusty southerly expected to come through tonight and fire crews are planning to accommodate for those changing conditions.

Residents in the Campvale area around Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road, Wade Close are advised to SEEK SHELTER as the fire approaches.

Greg Allen said that seeking shelter means doing what you can to stay safe - staying in your home making sure the bathtub, buckets, anything you can find is filled with water so if you need to put out spot fires you can and actively protect your home.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging residents to follow their Bush Fire Survival Plans and keep an eye on the potentially changing conditions.

If your life is at risk call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For the latest update from RFS head to: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

There are reports Newcastle Airport is now closed to all flights in and out of the airfield.

Residents in Medowie are being told ash and embers could reach them from the blaze.

Emergency Warning: Masonite Rd, Tomago fire. This infrared imagery is looking south east over the Newcastle airport. The video shows the location of spot fires to the north of the airport runway. https://t.co/o5vERBAR4L #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/f5Fi4U9DBc

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 14, 2018

UPDATE: 4PM

There are some backburning operations underway in the fire area and residents in Medowie are also being told ash and embers may fall in the area from the blaze.

The 'Skycrane' water bombing aircraft has flown in and is helping fire crews battle the blaze.

Winds continue to fan the blaze heading north.

UPDATE 3:45PM

The bushfire continues to burn at an EMERGENCY level.

The advice to residents in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road, Wade Close and Campvale are advised to SEEK SHELTER as the fire approaches.

It's now burnt through more than 1,500 hectares of land.

For the latest updates head to: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

Jetstar has cancelled all remaining flights in and out of Newcastle Airport.

The airport is asking passengers to check the status of other flights with their airlines.




There are road closures in the area as well, Richardson Road is closed between Benjamin Lee Drive and Medowie Road.

For the latest head to: https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html

EARLIER: 2PM

The bushfire at Tomago has again been upgraded to an EMERGENCY level.

The blaze spotted north of Newcastle Airport just south of Richardson Road near Grahamstown Road and is heading north towards Campvale.


If you are in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road and Wade Close, Campvale, are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.


The advice from the Rural Fire Service is to continue to monitor the conditions in your area and stay alert. If you don't have a Bush Fire Survival Plan decide what you will do if the situation changes, leaving early is your safest option. If you have a plan be ready to put it in action.


Residents in the vicinity of Richardson Road, Grahamstown Road, Harvest Road, Pastures Drive, Medowie Road and Wade Close, Campvale, are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.

Residents in the vicinity of Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, are advised to continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground.

Tomago bushfire smoke chokes Richardson Road as wind starts to pick up. @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/VfPp0HJvT2

— Meredith Gibbs (@meredith_gibbs) January 14, 2018

BREAKING! The Tomago bushfire has been upgraded to EMERGENCY due to strong winds in the area. .@2NURFMNews #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/CnArXfB5ey

— Jessica Rouse (@JessRouse95) January 14, 2018

EMERGENCY Fire on Masonite Road, Tomago downgraded to ADVICE LEVEL

BY JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE: 8PM

The bushfire at Tomago has been downgraded to ADVICE level.

Fire crews will remain on the ground overnight to monitor the blaze and keep it under control.

The Rural Fire Service's advice to residents is to continue to monitor the situation and have your Bush Fire Survival Plan ready in case you need it.

Fire crews may conduct back burning on the fire ground if conditions allow.

All roads are now open.

UPDATE 6:30PM

The bushfire burning at Tomago has now been downgraded to WATCH AND ACT.

Conditions are starting to ease on the fire ground thanks to some light rain, a southerly change is expected to roll through at around 7pm.

The blaze is now nearly 1400 hectares in size and is still burning OUT OF CONTROL.

"There is about 115 fire fighters with the Rural Fire Service assisted by National Parks and Wildlife Service along with Fire and ResceunSW and our dedicated fire fighters have been assisted by our water bombing aircraft including our very large air tanker Nancy Bird and our other air tankers as well," said Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service.

Residents on the south eastern side of Raymond Terrace and those in the area of Campvale, are advised to continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground.

Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close should also continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters on the ground.

"We advise all residents close to the area of the fire and also right across the state to know your bushfire survival plan, have it made, have it discussed with your family and household so that in the event that a fire does threaten you know exactly wqhat you'll be doing," said Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service.

Watch & Act: Masonite Rd fire, Tomago. Conditions have eased across the fireground. Residents on the SE side of Raymond Terrace & in the area of Campvale advised to monitor situation & take advice from firefighters in the area. More information: https://t.co/HhU6p2U20A #NSWRFS

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 13, 2018

UPDATE: 4:30PM

A strong southerly change has now moved across the bushfire. It's now moving in a northerly direction away from Cabbage Tree Road and towards Richardson Road.

Residents in the area of Richardson Road, Campvale are being advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.

All flights are delayed out of Newcastle airport - the Williamtown airport has closed its airfield to all flights until further notice.

Passengers are being advised to follow the advice of local authorities.

UPDATE 4:15PM

A bushfire continues to burn OUT OF CONTROL on Masonite Road being pushed further outside of containment lines by westerly winds.

Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close are advised to shelter in place as it is to late to leave.

NSW Rural Fire Service crews are being assisted by NSW Fire and Rescue. Crews are being assisted by the large waterbombing aircraft 'Nancy Bird'.

There are several road closures in place as well which could change at any time. At this stage Cabbage Tree Road is closed between Masonite Road and Nelson Bay Road. For the latest road closures head to: https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html

A southerly change is forecast for this afternoon which should help crews on teh ground get the fire under control.

For the latest information on the fire: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

Advice as of 4:15pm from NSW RFS:

Residents in the area of Richardson Road, Campvale are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.

Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd and areas close to Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, Technology Place, Kindler Way, Cresswell Way, Slades Road, Sandeman Street and Moxey Close should continue to monitor the situation and take advise from firefighters on the ground

Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and prepare for a bush fire in your area.

If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave early.

Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.

Emergency Warning– Masonite Road, Tomago: Fire burning near Masonite Rd, approx 10km N of Newcastle. Fire moving in E direction towards Newcastle Airport. Sth'ly wind change in area soon. Residents should monitor conditions & take advice from firefighters #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/mny0xRmZcY

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 13, 2018

TOTAL FIRE BAN for the Hunter Ahead of another Warm Day

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It was a rough night's sleep in the Hunter last night, with the temperature still in the mid 30's for much of the region at 9:30pm.

It didn't get much cooler through the night it didn't get much cooler than the low to mid 20's.

It wasn't just hot last night, yesterday saw record temperatures with Nobby's reaching it's hottest day in five years at 41.4 degrees and Williamtown hitting nearly 44 degrees.

We're in for another warm one today with Wallsend expected to swelter through another 42 degree day and Maitland is also in for another hot one with an expected 43 degrees.

With that, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) has declared another Total Fire Ban for the Greater Hunter today.

"That's due to forecast hot, dry and windy conditions expected through parts of those areas today. That means there are no fires in the open and obviously if you want to know further you can visit the RFS website and your best off spending those couples of minutes before we turn up to extinguish any fires you may have and an infringement notice is sent out," said James Morris from the RFS.

"There is still warmer conditions predicted for tomorrow however we will see a cooler change come through on Wednesday which will hopefully bring milder conditions across much of the state and hopefully a small amount of rain in that as well."

For information on any fires near you head to NSW RFS Fires Near Me

UPDATE: Fire burning at Lovedale now Advice Level

BY JESSICA ROUSE

UPDATE: 4:55pm

Fire crews are still on the ground battling the blaze at Lovedale.

It has been downgraded to Advice level, but has burnt through 88 hectares of land around Lovedale Road.

Wind conditions are easing in the area and the fire is now moving away from properties burning in a south to south easterly direction under north westerly winds towards Maitland Road.

The fire is producing considerable smoke in the area.

At this stage the advice is to monitor conditions and have your fire plan ready to go in case fire does threaten and the conditions change.

For the latest details from the Rural Fire Service head to: Fires Near Me

Looking out towards Lovedale from Rutherford.

UPDATE: 3:30pm

Rural Fire Service crews are continuing to battle the 5 hectare blaze on Lovedale Road.

The fire is still at Watch and Act Level at this stage.

The advice from the Rural Fire Service is that residents in the area of Barnard Road, Londons Road, Old Maitland Road, Abermain, Cessnock, Neath and Weston monitor the situation and put their fire plans into action if necessary.

Residents are also being asked to take the advice of firefighters in the area.

UPDATE 3:05pm

A fire has broken out in on Cessnock Road at Neath.

2:45pm

A bushfire is burning out-of-control at Lovedale, south west of Maitland and is at WATCH and ACT level.

It's burning near Lovedale Road at Lovedale.

Rural Fire Service crews are on the scene and are being assisted by NSW Fire and Rescue, and water bombing aircraft are on their way to help.

RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd said there are no homes directly under threat at this stage.

"It is burning in a southeasterly direction under some northwesterly winds. It is moving towards Majors Lane."

"The conditions are changing. We need people to stay alert and take advice from firefighters on the ground and make sure they know what they'll do in the even the fire threatens."

Watch & Act: Lovedale Rd, Lovedale. Fire burning approx 7km NW of Cessnock. Moving SE direction under strong NW winds towards Barnards Rd. Crews on scene with aircraft support. Residents in area should follow their bush fire survival plan & take advice from firefighters #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/1FHAh5BT0i

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 14, 2017

Rural Fire Service Banning All Permits Ahead of Catastrophic Fire Season

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Hunter arm of the Rural Fire Service (FRS) is urging everyone to have a fire plan ready to go with hot and dry conditions ahead likely to make fires burn with more intensity and speed.

Due to the current and predicted weather conditions, the RFS are also suspending all fire permits from the 1st October in a bid to stop the potential for fires, even burnt safely, from getting out of hand.

Inspector Martin Siemsen says the season has started early this year with elevated fire conditions the past week and there's expected to be dry, hot and unfavourable conditions this weekend as well.

He says they're ensuring they take every precaution they can to limit the number of calls out to fires.

"So this weekend we've got an indicator that we could well and truly be into elevated fire dangers so we're talking about very high to potentially into the severe category."

The fire permits will be suspended for areas in the Lower Hunter including Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog and Maitland.

"We need to watch out for people in the general community and people need to be aware of what the fire danger ratings mean, they need to be aware of what that means for them in relation to whether they live in a bushfire prone area or near a bushfire prone area and they need to make decisions," said Inspector Seimsen.

A Total Fire Ban could be on the cards this weekend.

"As of the 1st October to the 31st March we have a Bush Fire Danger Period that's implemented in the state of NSW... that will start 1st October but due to the continued dry conditions and the elevated temperatures that we're seeing and weather conditions in general so we decided to suspended the issue of permits," said Inspector Seimsen.

Information about Total Fire Ban declarations is published at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au .Locals can also call the Lower Hunter Fire Control Centre on 4015 0000 or the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).

Residents Urged to Stay Away from Richmond Vale Railway Museum

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Cessnock City Council is urging residents to stay away from Richmond Vale Railway Museum and surrounding bushland.

It comes after fire ripped through the area on Wednesday - the fire burnt through 920 hectares of land, tragically destroying some of the museum's stock.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has declared the site a 'Fire Ground' and an exclusion zone has been enforced. No one, including the public, volunteers and media, can enter the site without consent from the RFS.

"This is a huge loss for our community, in particular for the dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly for many years to preserve our railway and mining heritage," said a council spokesperson.

The Railway museum released a statement on their Facebook page yesterday echoing the council's warning to residents.

"Museum members and members of the public are advised that security has been posted at the museum's access road to control admission, and that police will be patrolling the area. Please stay away."



The losses the museum suffered during the blaze include:
- 3 stainless steel passenger cars
- 10 of 16 restored non-air coal hoppers and almost all non-restored wagons
- All of the unrestored general freight vehicles
- Approximately 2.5 kilometres of track
- Damage to number 1 bridge on the link line to Pelaw Main

"These losses mean that the museum's rail operations will be suspended pending gradual track rehabilitation. An announcement about other aspects of the museum's activities will be made as soon as access issues are resolved."

Old burnt-out coal wagon Image AAP/Darren Pateman

Bush fire closes Pacific Highway

BY JARROD MELMETH

New South Wales Fire and Rescue say they have the upper hand on a bushfire at Ferodale, near Medowie that has closed the Pacific Highway in both directions.

The fire had jumped the motorway causing the road to be closed between the Buckets Way and Medowie road.

Inspector Ben Shepherd from NSWFR says the threat has eased but the highway will remain closed for another 30 minutes.

"That's mostly cause crews are working from that highway in an effort to try and control that fire.

"Although the threat has eased, we are still asking people to monitor the situation," Inspector Shepherd said.

Southbound motorists are advised to divert onto the Buckets Way, Limeburners Creek Road, East Seaham Road and Warren Street Road then Seaham Road.

Northbound motorists are advised to divert onto Seaham Road, Warren Street, East Seaham Road, Limeburners Creek Road and the Buckets Way.

It follows a fire at Cameron Park that burned through five hectares of bushland at around 5:30 this morning.

Photo source: Fire and Rescue Raymond Terrace.