BREAKING: A fast-moving bushfire has devastated the NSW Central Coast, destroying at least 12 homes and forcing emergency warnings for residents as extreme heatwave conditions escalate. The fire ignited in bushland at Koolewong, just outside populated areas, as 75 fires rage across New South Wales.
Emergency alerts were issued on Saturday as temperatures soared above 40°C in Sydney and reached nearly 44°C in some inland areas. Authorities confirm that more than 1,000 firefighters are battling 19 out-of-control fires, with significant resources deployed, including 300 vehicles and nine aircraft.
NSW Premier Chris Minns called the situation a “challenging day for NSW firefighters,” emphasizing the urgent need to protect lives. “We need to do everything we can to protect lives,” he stated during a press conference.
As firefighters responded to the Koolewong blaze, the fire rapidly spread, catching several homes in its path before crews could effectively contain it. Local MP Liesl Tesch described the community’s devastation, highlighting that the challenging terrain made emergency access difficult, with some driveways too steep for vehicles.
While the emergency warning for Koolewong was downgraded to a watch and act, the fire has since spotted south into the Woy Woy Bay Road and Phegans Bay areas. Trent Curtin, NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, reported that the fire moved quickly into properties, wreaking havoc in its wake.
The heatwave poses additional risks, with forecasts predicting strong winds that could exacerbate the fires. The Milsons Gully fire in the Upper Hunter also reached emergency levels, with homes at risk in the vicinity. Rural Fire Service spokesman Greg Allan warned of unpredictable conditions, stating that “the service was not able to provide more details as conditions were fickle.”
As a precaution, a total fire ban has been implemented across Sydney and many central NSW areas. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of potential dry lightning from thunderstorms, which could spark new fires. The highest risks are concentrated between Cobar and Tamworth, where damaging winds and hail are also expected.
Residents are urged to be vigilant as a cool change is forecasted to arrive in southern NSW and Victoria late Sunday morning, but it may not bring immediate relief to the Central Coast and northern NSW.
In related news, over a dozen homes, shacks, and vehicles were damaged in a separate fire at Dolphin Sands, on Tasmania’s east coast, where two firefighters sustained injuries. The Tasmania Fire Service is continuing to investigate the cause while air and ground tankers work to contain the blaze, which has consumed over 700 hectares.
As conditions on the island state improve with cooler temperatures and showers, the Tasmania Fire Service has advised residents not to return to affected areas due to severe fire damage that has left some without power for up to a week.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor and respond to the unfolding crisis. Residents in affected areas should stay informed and heed official warnings.
