UPDATE: Intense thunderstorms have ignited multiple fires, including a significant blaze in the Hunter Wetlands, following a dramatic lightning strike early Saturday morning. As of Saturday evening, authorities report that approximately 73 hectares of mangrove have been scorched by the fire, believed to be caused by the storm.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has confirmed that while there is currently no immediate threat to property, residents are urged to stay vigilant and monitor updates. Firefighting aircraft have been deployed to tackle the flames in the inaccessible wetlands, with local crews stationed in adjacent streets to contain the fire.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene. Kristy Newman, a resident of Callan Avenue, witnessed the lightning strike firsthand. “I said to my husband that I swear that just hit something,” she recounted. “And then all of a sudden we’ve got flames and smoke. This is the biggest one we have seen.”
Nearby resident Leanne Eljuga echoed the intensity of the storm, stating, “There was lightning crashing all around us.” The Bureau of Meteorology recorded hail in Shellharbour and reported wind gusts reaching 125 km/h at Gunnedah, compounding the dangerous conditions across the region.
In just 24 hours, over 120,000 lightning strikes occurred throughout the state, with clusters trailing from the west towards the coast. This surge in lightning has raised significant concerns among officials, prompting heightened alert levels for local residents.
As the situation continues to evolve, firefighters also battled a bushfire near Lake Macquarie, which was reported around 3:30 PM Saturday. Local firefighters successfully contained the blaze on Lake Street by approximately 5:00 PM, but the RFS cautioned that many calls received from the Mayfield and Mayfield West areas were likely false alarms triggered by smoke from the wetlands fire.
Residents are advised to expect smoke across the city’s western suburbs as crews work diligently to manage the ongoing situation. The RFS remains committed to ensuring the fires are contained and are coordinating closely with the state’s National Parks service.
As the evening unfolds, stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. If you are in the affected areas, prioritize safety and follow instructions from local officials.
