Bushfires Continue To Burn In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

The Rural Fire Service is still working to contain two large bushfires in the Hunter which have been burning since Tuesday.

The Wallaroo Fire at East Seaham has burnt through more than 390 hectares, while the Heatons Lookout fire at Freemans Waterhole has burnt through 250 hectares.

Around 100 students had to be evacuated from West Wallsend High School at about lunchtime on Thursday when a grass fire broke out.

It took crews took about hours to extinguish the blaze, the cause of which is still to be determined.

Another hazard reduction burn is planned today (Friday) near the Eraring Power Station on the western side of Lake Macquarie.

Hazard Reduction Burn in George McGregor Park

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Don't be alarmed if you see smoke near Lambton Heights this weekend - Fire and Rescue NSW are carrying out a hazard reduction burn in George McGregor Park.

It's expected to last up to 12 hours beginning 9 am Sunday morning.

McCaffrey Drive between Lookout Road and Elbrook Drive will be closed while the burn-off takes place. There will be smoke in the area but Junior Commander, Peter Nies says the impact should be minimal.

"We're going to burn back from McCaffrey Drive into the bush. There'll be a small amount of smoke affecting John Hunter Hospital but we don't expect any problems to arise from that."

It's expected to be a low impact hazard reduction, burning low and slow.

According to Peter Nies, it will help reduce fire load in the surrounding area, protect nearby property and protect the bush and scrub as well.

He says the burn is nothing to worry about and Fire and Rescue officials will keep the situation under control

"We only burn where the fire stays low and burn slowly, and if the fire conditions on the day become worse than we expect, well then we'll limit it to the areas we can control."

Hazard Reduction Burn For Mount Sugarloaf

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Rural Fire Service is conducting a hazard reduction burn at Mount Sugarloaf west of Newcastle today.

Around 18 hectares of bush is being burnt near the transmisson towers.

Motorists on the M1 Pacific Motorway and nearby residents are being advised to expect to see and smell smoke in the area.

Lake Macquarie Council says the car park, lookout and walking trails at mount Sugarloaf will be closed today, with the burn expected to wrap up at about 7.00pm.

The Transmission Towers On Mount Sugarloaf