UPDATE: The fire burning at Salt Ash at Port Stephens was overnight downgraded to an ‘advice’ level warning.
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A bushfire burning at Salt Ash at Port Stephens has been downgraded to a watch and act level warning, after earlier on Friday reaching emergency level.
Conditions are easing however the fire is not yet contained.
https://twitter.com/SamBurbury/status/1065830703214952449
The blaze which started on Thursday afternoon near Medowie has now burnt through more than 1500 hectares, and is listed as ‘being controlled’.
LATEST INFORMATION: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
EARLIER:
Property protection underway at Rookes Road, Salt Ash. A LOT of smoke in the area @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/6mkIZG7o61
— Samantha Long (@SLongNewcastle) November 22, 2018
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THURSDAY
A bushfire burning east of Medowie at Port Stephens has been downgraded to a Watch & Act level warning, with firefighters this evening able to slow the spread of the blaze, which has already burnt through more than 700 hectares.
It’s expected to burn close to properties, however there is no direct threat.
Residents should continue to follow the instructions of firefighters on the ground.
LATEST INFORMATION: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
Reporter Sam Burbury joined us at six with the latest.
The NSW RFS have just upgraded the blaze at Hospital Road, Weston to EMERGENCY.
It is burning in a south-easterly direction towards Leggetts Drive. The fire has moved past Kurri Kurri Hospital and is moving towards Pelaw Main.
The Medowie blaze at Richardson Road also remains at EMERGENCY.
If you are in the Salt Ash area, particularly Salt Ash Ave, Hideaway Drive, and Shade Ave, it is TOO LATE TO LEAVE.
Seek shelter as the fire front arrives, protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Fire is being pushed by strong westerly winds in an easterly direction along Richardson Road towards Salt Ash. A number of waterbombing aircraft and LATs are assisting crews on the ground.
Today’s strong, gusty winds have flared up bushfires across the region.
