UPDATE: A devastating bushfire has destroyed at least 12 homes in Koolewong, NSW, as emergency services battle extreme heatwave conditions. The fire, which erupted during a record heat day with temperatures soaring above 40°C, is part of a larger crisis with 75 fires currently burning across the state.
Emergency warnings were issued on Saturday for residents near the fires on the NSW Central Coast and in the Hunter region. As the flames quickly spread, more than 1,000 firefighters are engaged in a relentless fight against 19 out-of-control fires, supported by 300 vehicles and nine aircraft.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the situation as “a challenging day for NSW firefighters.” He emphasized the urgency of protecting lives, stating, “We need to do everything we can to protect lives.” While the emergency warning for Koolewong has been downgraded to a watch and act, the fire has already jumped into new areas, threatening more homes.
Firefighters were quick to respond to the Koolewong blaze, but the rapid spread of the flames left several homes engulfed before they could arrive. Liesl Tesch, the MP for Gosford, expressed deep concern, noting the devastating impact on the community. “It’s a really tough location to get to,” she told reporters, highlighting the challenging terrain that hinders emergency access.
As firefighters continue their efforts, conditions remain precarious. The NSW Rural Fire Service reports that the Milsons Gully fire in the upper Hunter has reached emergency levels. Winds of up to 90 km/h are forecasted, which could exacerbate the situation, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Across the state, a total fire ban is in effect as thunderstorms threaten to ignite new fires. Fire officials warn of the risk of dry lightning, particularly in the inner north from Cobar to Tamworth, where damaging winds and hail could also be present.
Meanwhile, further south in Tasmania, an out-of-control fire at Dolphin Sands has damaged more than a dozen homes, with two firefighters injured during the battle. The Tasmania Fire Service is on high alert as they work to contain the blaze, which has already consumed over 700 hectares.
With the heatwave expected to persist, relief for the Central Coast and northern NSW may not arrive until late Sunday. As conditions worsen, communities remain on edge, anxiously awaiting updates from fire officials.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to evacuations as necessary. The situation is developing rapidly, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
