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NSW and Qld fires: Sydney bushfires emergency warning issued for South Turramurra – live NSW and Qld fires: Sydney bushfires emergency warning issued for South Turramurra – live
(32 minutes later)
Rural Fire Service issues 14 emergency warnings as NSW faces 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 Queensland and Australia’s east coastRural Fire Service issues 14 emergency warnings as NSW faces 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 Queensland and Australia’s east coast
Josh Taylor back at the helm for the latest update from NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons for 5.30pm AEDT.There are 85 fires across NSW, and 46 are not contained. There are 14 fires at emergency alert level, and 17 at the watch and act level.
There’s a small fire in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney but that fire has been contained.
A firefighter at Turramurra has suffered suspected fractured arm and ribs.
The earlier report of a cardiac arrest of a firefighter at North Rothbury was thankfully not the case when emergency services arrived.
Fitzsimmons said suspicious activity had not been ruled out in any of the fires, and investigations would take place in due course.
The 14 emergency warning fires are:
Gulf Rd fire, south west of Tenterfield
Washpool state forest
Myall Creek
Liberation Trail north-west of Coffs Harbour
Kian Rd fire
Carrai East fire, west of Kempsey
Carrai Creek fire
Stockyard East fire
Reserves Rd
Thunderbolts Way
Rumba Dump fire, all north of Wingham and Taree
Hillville Rd, south of Taree
Greta fire, near Maitland
Gospers Mountain fire, towards Putty Rd.
Fitzsimmons said people needed to stay vigilant.
“We still have many hours yet of these strong dry winds to dominate and influence weather and fire behaviour. We’ve still got the southerly change expected to move through later tonight, across the fire grounds still burning up in northern New South Wales.”
There’s no indication of catastrophic conditions tomorrow, but the state-wide fire ban will remain in place.
“We do need to be mindful that we’re expecting a return to hot and dry and windy conditions again towards the end of this week, certainly as we head to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we can expect to see elevated fire dangers again. I don’t have anything in the signal to suggest catastrophic at this stage, but severe and above is likely.”
Some good news for Sydney residents: the NSW Rural Fire Service has just downgraded the South Turramurra fire from an emergency warning to advice level.
The ABC reporter Nick Dole is on the ground in the Sydney suburb where he says the blaze crept up quickly.
“Some of the neighbours told me here they saw some smoke and before they knew it the blaze was basically up against their backyard,” he said on ABC News.
A number of homes came under ember attack, he said.
“We just spoke to the neighbour and he says there are a number of spotfires that went through his yard. Fortunately some of his neighbours managed to help him and put out the spotting and the house has been saved.”
The federal government’s aviation authority has labelled the use of personal drones over fire grounds “sheer stupidity” that risks lives after an incident on Monday night, AAP reports.
Crews on Sydney’s north shore were responding to reports of smoke when they spotted a civilian drone hovering over the area.
Although no fire was found, the drone could have seriously hampered firefighting efforts, the Killara rural fire brigade said in a post on Facebook.
“If a fire was confirmed at the location we would not be able to request any aerial assistance due to the sighting of a drone near the fire,” the brigade posted in a statement on Facebook.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman Peter Gibson said flying a drone near a bushfire was illegal. The act could attract fines of up to $10,500 and prosecution may be sought where people are put at risk, Gibson said in a statement on Tuesday.
A watch and act alert has been issued for a fire at Cliff Drive, Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains.A watch and act alert has been issued for a fire at Cliff Drive, Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains.
More images are coming in of brightly coloured fire retardant being dropped on homes in South Turramurra, in Sydney’s north.More images are coming in of brightly coloured fire retardant being dropped on homes in South Turramurra, in Sydney’s north.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has just issued an emergency alert for the Carrai Creek fire, near Armidale. It is now too late to leave if you’re in the area west of Kempsey. Residents are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.The NSW Rural Fire Service has just issued an emergency alert for the Carrai Creek fire, near Armidale. It is now too late to leave if you’re in the area west of Kempsey. Residents are advised to seek shelter as the fire approaches.
Vision of the South Turramurra fire on Sydney’s north shore clearly shows the bushfire is threatening properties.Vision of the South Turramurra fire on Sydney’s north shore clearly shows the bushfire is threatening properties.
Firefighters are battling to save homes using aerial firefighting units dropping retardant onto the flames. This is precisely the situation NSW firefighters were hoping to avoid. Fires are now hitting areas of dense population.Firefighters are battling to save homes using aerial firefighting units dropping retardant onto the flames. This is precisely the situation NSW firefighters were hoping to avoid. Fires are now hitting areas of dense population.
This fire is the subject of an emergency warning. Firefighters are advising people to seek shelter, saying it is now too late to leave.This fire is the subject of an emergency warning. Firefighters are advising people to seek shelter, saying it is now too late to leave.
It’s Christopher Knaus here again, taking over our coverage temporarily from Josh Taylor.It’s Christopher Knaus here again, taking over our coverage temporarily from Josh Taylor.
Bushfires are now spreading to Sydney’s north shore. ABC vision shows a blaze burning through grassland and bush at South Turramurra, on Sydney’s north shore.Bushfires are now spreading to Sydney’s north shore. ABC vision shows a blaze burning through grassland and bush at South Turramurra, on Sydney’s north shore.
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.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 following the latest update from the Rural Fire Service commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons.Here’s what we know following the latest update from the Rural Fire Service commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons.
There are 78 fires burning across NSW with 47 of those not contained. There are 12 fires at emergency warning level and eight fires at watch and act level.There are 78 fires burning across NSW with 47 of those not contained. There are 12 fires at emergency warning level and eight fires at watch and act level.
The 12 emergency alert fires were:The 12 emergency alert fires were:
Gulf Road, TenterfieldGulf Road, Tenterfield
WashpoolWashpool
Myall Creek, west of WoodburnMyall Creek, west of Woodburn
Liberation Trail, west of Coffs HarbourLiberation Trail, west of Coffs Harbour
Kian Road, south-west of MacksvilleKian Road, south-west of Macksville
Reserves Road, north of GloucesterReserves Road, north of Gloucester
Thunderbolts Way, north of GloucesterThunderbolts Way, north of Gloucester
Rumba Dump near Elands, Bobin and MarleeRumba Dump near Elands, Bobin and Marlee
Hillville Road, south of TareeHillville Road, south of Taree
Greta near CessnockGreta near Cessnock
Wine Country Road in North RothburyWine Country Road in North Rothbury
Gosford Road, north of Sydney in the Hawkesbury areaGosford Road, 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.Fitzsimmons said multiple homes were damaged at the North Rothbury fire. This fire has since been downgraded to watch and act.
He said firefighters had 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. This would occur around 7pm or 8pm in the Sydney region, and then north later in the evening.He said firefighters had 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. This would occur 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.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.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.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.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 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.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.”