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NSW and Qld fires: 11 emergency warnings issued for out-of-control bushfires – live NSW and Qld fires: 12 emergency warnings issued for out-of-control bushfires – live
(32 minutes later)
New South Wales residents prepare for catastrophic fire conditions across Greater Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra/Shoalhaven with strong winds and high temperatures forecast as dozens of bushfires continue to burn across both Queensland and NSWNew South Wales residents prepare for catastrophic fire conditions across Greater Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra/Shoalhaven with strong winds and high temperatures forecast as dozens of bushfires continue to burn across both Queensland and NSW
There’s also an updated fire weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology. Catastrophic fire danger remains in place in Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, and Illawarra/Shoalhaven. It is extreme fire danger for the North Coast, Southern Ranges, Central Ranges, New England, Northern Slopes, and North Western. It’s Christopher Knaus here again, taking over our coverage temporarily from Josh Taylor.
It is severe fire danger for the Far North Coast, the Far South Coast, and Monaro Alpine. Bushfires are now spreading to Sydney’s north shore. ABC vision shows a blaze burning through grassland and bush at South Turramurra, in Sydney’s north shore.
It is very high fire danger for the Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains, and Southern Slopes. The fire is in the area of Canoon Road and is spreading quickly. Nearby residents have been warned it is now too late to leave. They are advised to take shelter as the fire approaches.
Here’s what we know as from the latest update from RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.
There are 78 fires burning across NSW. 47 of those are not contained. There are 12 fires at emergency warning level and eight fires at watch and act level.
The 12 emergency alert fires were:
Gulf Rd, Tenterfield
Wachpool fire
Myall Creek fire, west of Woodburn
Liberation Trail, west of Coffs Harbour
Kian Rd, south-west of Macksville
Reserves Rd fire, north of Gloucester
Thunderbolts Way, north of Gloucester
Rumba Dump fire near Elands, Bobin and Marlee
Hillville Rd fire, south of Taree
Greta, in the Hunter Area near Cessnock
Wine Country Road in North Rothbury
Gosford Rd fire, north of Sydney in the Hawkesbury area.
Fitzsimmons said multiple homes were damaged at the North Rothbury fire. This fire has since been downgraded to watch and act.He said firefighter have been able to keep on top of fires in the Sydney basin area but the strong southerly coming through in the next few hours was a cause for concern. It will be around 7pm or 8pm in the Sydney region, and then north later in the evening.There are some reported firefighter injuries, and one cardiac arrest in the Hunter, he said. The Fire Near Me app has been downloaded 376,000 times in the past few days, he said.
An emergency warning has been issued for Gospers Mountain in the Lithgow local government area.
There’s also an updated fire weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology. Catastrophic fire danger remains in place in the greater Sydney, greater Hunter and Illawarra/Shoalhaven regions. It is extreme fire danger for the north coast, southern ranges, central ranges, New England, northern slopes and north-western regions.
It is severe fire danger for the far north coast, the far south coast and Monaro Alpine districts.
It is very high fire danger for the upper central west plains, lower central west plains and southern slopes.
Residents of Harper Street in Greta are being advised to seek shelter as firefighters battle a fast-moving grassfire.Residents of Harper Street in Greta are being advised to seek shelter as firefighters battle a fast-moving grassfire.
The Public Service Association is blaming the NSW government for a 35% decline in the number of fire-trained rangers at the National Parks and Wildlife Service.In 2011, when the Liberal government came to power, there were 289 rangers, of which there were 28 senior rangers, according to the provided figures. Now there are just 193 rangers and no senior rangers, representing a 35% cut to fire-trained staff.The Public Service Association is blaming the NSW government for a 35% decline in the number of fire-trained rangers at the National Parks and Wildlife Service.In 2011, when the Liberal government came to power, there were 289 rangers, of which there were 28 senior rangers, according to the provided figures. Now there are just 193 rangers and no senior rangers, representing a 35% cut to fire-trained staff.
The PSA acting general secretary, Troy Wright, attributes the job losses to millions of dollars in cuts and forced restructures:The PSA acting general secretary, Troy Wright, attributes the job losses to millions of dollars in cuts and forced restructures:
An emergency warning has been issued for Myall Creek Road, Bora Ridge in the Richmond Valley local government area. It is too late to leave, and the Rural Fire Service is advising people to seek shelter.This brings the total of emergency warnings to 11.An emergency warning has been issued for Myall Creek Road, Bora Ridge in the Richmond Valley local government area. It is too late to leave, and the Rural Fire Service is advising people to seek shelter.This brings the total of emergency warnings to 11.
Terry Green, who runs the Tuncurry bowling club, says they’ve got quite a mix of evacuees at the moment.Terry Green, who runs the Tuncurry bowling club, says they’ve got quite a mix of evacuees at the moment.
“We’ve got kids and dogs and birds and cats, and we’ve even got a goldfish here,” he says. “We’re a bit of a menagerie at the moment and it looks a bit like Noah’s Ark out the back.”“We’ve got kids and dogs and birds and cats, and we’ve even got a goldfish here,” he says. “We’re a bit of a menagerie at the moment and it looks a bit like Noah’s Ark out the back.”
There are around 100 people at the centre, which has been an evacuation centre since last week.There are around 100 people at the centre, which has been an evacuation centre since last week.
“We’re looking after them and providing a safe environment for them. We’ve been inundated with food and clothes and that sort of thing, with help from Salvos,” Green says. (The club’s Facebook post asks people to donate money to the Red Cross now, if they’d like to help out.)“We’re looking after them and providing a safe environment for them. We’ve been inundated with food and clothes and that sort of thing, with help from Salvos,” Green says. (The club’s Facebook post asks people to donate money to the Red Cross now, if they’d like to help out.)
They’re expecting up to 800 people tonight from Nabiac, Pacific Palms, Red Head, Black Head and around the Taree district.They’re expecting up to 800 people tonight from Nabiac, Pacific Palms, Red Head, Black Head and around the Taree district.
“They’re all in good spirits even though it’s an emotional time, a worrying time,” says Green. “But they’re supporting each other… We’ve got quiet areas where people who are showing signs of emotion can go and talk with counsellors from the Salvation Army.”“They’re all in good spirits even though it’s an emotional time, a worrying time,” says Green. “But they’re supporting each other… We’ve got quiet areas where people who are showing signs of emotion can go and talk with counsellors from the Salvation Army.”
Josh Taylor here covering the ongoing fire crises on the live blog this afternoon and into the evening. Thanks to my colleagues Naaman Zhou and Chris Knaus for their coverage so far.Josh Taylor here covering the ongoing fire crises on the live blog this afternoon and into the evening. Thanks to my colleagues Naaman Zhou and Chris Knaus for their coverage so far.
There is a total fire ban in New South Wales today, and the police are taking that very seriously.There is a total fire ban in New South Wales today, and the police are taking that very seriously.
The NSW police say they’ve taken action against three men for breaching the ban, and a child for committing an act of arson.The NSW police say they’ve taken action against three men for breaching the ban, and a child for committing an act of arson.
Yesterday afternoon, a 27-year-old man in Wallacia allegedly lit a camp fire to boil water for a cup of tea. Police issued him with a $2,200 on-the-spot fine.Yesterday afternoon, a 27-year-old man in Wallacia allegedly lit a camp fire to boil water for a cup of tea. Police issued him with a $2,200 on-the-spot fine.
Then in the evening, a 35-year-old man in Prestons was issued with an infringement notice for allegedly burning fence palings in a barbecue, which caused a secondary blaze.Then in the evening, a 35-year-old man in Prestons was issued with an infringement notice for allegedly burning fence palings in a barbecue, which caused a secondary blaze.
A 46-year-old man allegedly lit a fire in a small coal barbecue at Lalor Park. He was arrested for failing to comply with the ban, and for a breach of bail.A 46-year-old man allegedly lit a fire in a small coal barbecue at Lalor Park. He was arrested for failing to comply with the ban, and for a breach of bail.
A 9-year-old boy has been issued with a warning after starting a small grassfire using a blowtorch in Worrigee this morning.A 9-year-old boy has been issued with a warning after starting a small grassfire using a blowtorch in Worrigee this morning.
“A total fire ban means no fires out in the open. This helps limit the potential of fires developing,” NSW police said.“A total fire ban means no fires out in the open. This helps limit the potential of fires developing,” NSW police said.
“During a total fire ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.”“During a total fire ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.”
Bill Ludwig, mayor of Livingston Shire, has just been speaking about the fire in Yeppoon in central Queensland, which destroyed eight homes. Ludwig previously said he had never seen a fire in the region that started so fast, moved so quickly, and put so many people under threat.Bill Ludwig, mayor of Livingston Shire, has just been speaking about the fire in Yeppoon in central Queensland, which destroyed eight homes. Ludwig previously said he had never seen a fire in the region that started so fast, moved so quickly, and put so many people under threat.
He told the ABC on Monday that the climate was clearly changing and it was having “dramatic consequences that were unfolding every year and appear to be escalating”.He told the ABC on Monday that the climate was clearly changing and it was having “dramatic consequences that were unfolding every year and appear to be escalating”.
Ludwig spoke to reporters again on Tuesday and said affected residents were now looking to return to their homes. He has urged the general public to stay off the roads near the fire grounds, even if they have been reopened.Ludwig spoke to reporters again on Tuesday and said affected residents were now looking to return to their homes. He has urged the general public to stay off the roads near the fire grounds, even if they have been reopened.
“We do not need sightseers, we have a live situation in place and we want people to do the right thing so the firefighters can effectively respond to the fire and the recovery, including the inspections that are happening to make sure areas are safe,” Ludwig told reporters in Queensland.“We do not need sightseers, we have a live situation in place and we want people to do the right thing so the firefighters can effectively respond to the fire and the recovery, including the inspections that are happening to make sure areas are safe,” Ludwig told reporters in Queensland.
Plesman has lived on the property in Nymboida on and off since she was born. She said in the past decade, the weather had become increasingly unpredictable in terms of both fires and drought.Plesman has lived on the property in Nymboida on and off since she was born. She said in the past decade, the weather had become increasingly unpredictable in terms of both fires and drought.
Storms that used to occur of an evening in summer and fill up the dams had become less reliable.Storms that used to occur of an evening in summer and fill up the dams had become less reliable.
“People who are struggling to survive want everyone to know this is a climate emergency,” she said.“People who are struggling to survive want everyone to know this is a climate emergency,” she said.
“All my family were well set up. Sprinkler systems. Fire systems. What we’re seeing is that nothing can withstand the catastrophic nature of these fires.“All my family were well set up. Sprinkler systems. Fire systems. What we’re seeing is that nothing can withstand the catastrophic nature of these fires.
“People know that living in the bush, there is fire. But they want people to know we’ve never experienced anything like this.”“People know that living in the bush, there is fire. But they want people to know we’ve never experienced anything like this.”
A before and after of Gemma Plesman’s home:
“We had four houses on the property,” Gemma Plesman says.
“Three were burnt completely. My mum and two of my aunties lost their homes. It’s really horrific, they’re completely gone.”
Plesman is from Brisbane but grew up in Nymboida, a rural town in northern NSW, about 45 minutes from Grafton. Over the weekend, fire tore through the rural property, which Plesman’s mother and her mother’s siblings had purchased four decades ago.
Three of the four houses they had built on the land were completely destroyed. The remaining house was partially burnt.
“The heartbreaking thing – everybody has built them themselves,” Plesman says. “They’re not your typical kit house.
“Mudbricks they made by hand. Beautiful rocks they’d picked up at the creek and put into the walls. That’s all gone.”
Plesman says along the same stretch of road, several of her friends had lost their homes as well.
“It’s like a wasteland. It’s completely desolate. I struggle to imagine what’s happened to all the animals and birds,” she says.
An emergency warning for Wine Country Drive, in North Rothbury.
This brings the total number of emergency warnings back up to 10.
The climate rally outside NSW Parliament House earlier today has raised $4,500 for the Rural Fire Service. The rally called on the government to take action on the climate crisis and to better fund emergency services.
The Whans Road fire has been downgraded from emergency to watch and act.
“The fire has been downgraded due to improved conditions,” the Rural Fire Service said. “Residents in the area should continue to monitor the conditions and take advice from firefighters on the ground.”
This means there are now only nine emergency warnings currently in NSW.
The latest highest wind speeds, from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Nowra has experienced a top wind speed of 90km/h and Moss Vale 85km/h.
Maitland airport is at 70km/h winds, Cessnock at 63km/h and Gosford at 61km/h.
Coffs Harbour airport has recorded 54km/h, Glen Innes airport 63km/h and Taree airport 48km/h.
In Sydney, Penrith has experienced 70km/h gusts.
A 10th emergency warning for NSW. The Rumba Dump fire – burning in the area of Elands, Bobin and Marlee.
The fire is near the Hillsville Road fire, which is also at emergency level.
“If you are in the area of Elands, Bobin, Marlee and areas north-west of Wingham, seek shelter,” the Rural Fire Service says.
There is now also an emergency warning in Western Australia, as a fire on the north-east fringes of Perth is posing a possible risk to lives and homes.
An emergency warning has just been issued for the western part of Bullsbrook in the City of Swan.
“Homes near Ellenbrook Road are under threat by fire now. You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.”
The blaze started near Ellenbrook Road and is moving in a westerly direction.
Melinda Pavey is the NSW member for Oxley. She’s at the Kempsey Showground, which is acting as an evacuation centre for people affected by a number of fires in the area, including the emergency level Carrai East fire.
“We’re just hearing and listening to people and their stories,” Pavey says. “One family from up at Bellbrook went down to the Kempsey races and they came home and the house was gone.”
Pavey tells me they’ve had about 600 people register at the showground, and she’s just come from the Macksville evacuation centre which was “full of volunteers getting ready for people to come in”.
“Here we’ve got tables and tables laden with donated food and clothes and toys, for people who have lost everything,” she says, adding that local businesses and charities had donated food, fans and games consoles for the kids to stay entertained.
“It’s typical of Kempsey and Macksville, helping the community. There’s a tremendous spirit but also a feeling of trepidation, everyone is on tenterhooks about the heat and the wind and what’s going to happen.”
Pavey says her own home is not in danger but she’s worried about others.
“I’m worried about Bellingen tonight with the southerly. I’m just worried. I don’t want people to go through the pain.”
The ninth emergency warning. The fire near Kian Road has breached containment lines and is burning towards Macksville.
“If you’re near Talarm, Macksville, Allgomera Creek, seek shelter,” the Rural Fire Service says.