A fire burning north of Newcastle has caused local authorities to declare a state of emergency as fire crews brace for a tough day.
The fire, burning in the Salt Ash, was monitored by over 100 firefighters overnight but is expected to worsen today with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicting gusts of up to 80km/h, ABC reports.
RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said today that “our concern is that fire will continue to escalate in intensity.”
Crews battled the blaze all through the night
“If people are concerned, go outside and talk to the firefighters and they will give you good advice.”
The fire is reported to be moving towards Rookes Road, with residents in that area advised to seek shelter.
Crews are fighting the fire on three fronts, with those on the western side today undertaking to backburn in an effort to contain the blaze.
The southern flank is the main concern, with the blaze threatening homes in the region and already reported to have destroyed two sheds.
The blaze has come within meters of homes
Despite the promise of a tough day ahead, an evacuation centre that was set up at Irrawang High Shcool overnight has now been closed.
However, Mr Rogers urged all local residents to “remain vigilant” in affected areas
“In this weather and with the winds, there is the potential for the fire to jump out again,” he warned.
Emergency texts have been sent to residents in areas most under threat, a move that is unfortunately expected to happen all too often in the summer ahead for the country.
