IF YOU ARE IN AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 000.
For non-urgent assistance: SES 13 25 00
LATEST UPDATE | Monday 6pm
Two RFS volunteers injured, homes destroyed, and now, residents around Taylor’s Arm are bracing for more.
Firefighters are preparing for a horror week, with the out of control Kian Road fire expected to worsen tomorrow.
Fires further south are also continuing to cause anxiety for locals.
The community of Johns River in particular remains on edge tonight after the village was only moments away yesterday from being destroyed.
The Stockyard Flat fire which gutted the village of Yarrowitch, east of Walcha, is still burning out of control.
The fire has joined with several others and is burning towards Port Macquarie.
The Oxley Highway remains closed between Walcha and Wachope.
Dozens of firefighters from South Australia and Western Australia are assisting the R-F-S on the fireground ahead of tomorrow’s extreme conditions.
Meanwhile, Member for the Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, has promised to rebuild Wytablia Public School.
Two people perished in the town over the weekend when the Kangawalla fire tore through the area.
Closer to the border, the out-of-control Mount Nardi fire has grown to 2,600 hectares since yesterday.
The blaze is burning in two directions and although there is no immediate threat to homes, the RFS is warning residents to stay alert as tomorrow’s extreme conditions could change that.
The RFS says those who have not prepared for tomorrow’s weather, should not try and stay to defend their homes.
WHAT WE KNOW
- All EMERGENCY Level fires have been downgraded overnight.
- 10 Watch and Act Level fires are burning throughout the state.
- More than 60 fires are active in New South Wales – many are yet to be contained.
- More than a dozen road closures are in place. Keep track here.
- Three people are confirmed dead, and have been identified.
- Dozens have been injured.
- Hundreds of animals have been injured or died.
- More than 150 homes have been lost.
- A statewide total fire ban will be in place on Monday and Tuesday.
Monday 5pm
So far, the fires have burned through more than 1 million hectares across the state. The majority of this land is located on the Mid North and North Coast.
Monday 4.30pm
Some North Coast residents are picking up the pieces in Nambucca, but it may not be the end of their battle.
The Kian Road fire has burned through more than 17-thousand hectares.
TONIGHT: Two RFS volunteers injured, homes destroyed, and now, residents around Taylor's Arm are bracing for more. Firefighters are preparing for a horror week, with the out of control Kian Road fire expected to worsen tomorrow. @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/oC0TVUUbca
— Olivia Portell (@LivPortell) November 11, 2019
Monday 4pm | Air Force Prepares for Catastrophic Conditions
Singleton Army Barracks in New South Wales is on standby to provide accommodation and catering support to firefighters from the Victorian Country Fire Authority on Tuesday.
In the last few days, Royal Australian Air Force aircrafts transported firefighter strike teams from Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart to Port Macquarie including:
- A RAAF 737 Boeing Business Jet
- A RAAF C-130J aircraft
- A RAAF C-130J
Monday 3pm | ADF is Mobilised
It’s been announced the Australian Defence Force will be mobilised to assist emergency services in fire affected areas. They will provide support, training and transport across the state.
Monday 2pm | More School Closures
The Department of Education has confirmed more than 300 schools across the state will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. See which ones here.
Monday 1.30pm | Catastrophic Warning Extended
The fire danger tomorrow is now expected to be worse than originally forecast. The Illawarra/Shoalhaven is now forecast to experience a Catastrophic fire danger, as will Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter. More info here: https://t.co/RQyA5UAi8x #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/1xlwByvpMz
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 11, 2019
The City of Newcastle will close Blackbutt Reserve on Tuesday, and an emergency plan has been set up including the relocation of animals to veterinary clinics if necessary. Staff will be on site monitoring the welfare of animals to ensure they are safe and hydrated.
Lake Macquarie will also close several reserves and pathways including Mount Sugarloaf and the Sugarloaf State Conservation Area, the Fernleigh Track and Green Point Foreshore Reserve, Valentine. The closures will remain in place until 5pm, Wednesday.
Monday 1pm | A Temporary Home for Hundreds of Firefighters
Charles Sturt University’s Port Macquarie campus is helping hundreds of firefighters by providing them with food and beds to sleep in.
Dozens of students and staff have been lending a helping hand since the fires broke out.
For those who would like to donate non perishable food, visit CSU residences at 28 Kingfisher Road 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Monday Midday | Saving Animals
Residents are working to save animals at rainbow flat
Monday 11.30am | University Closure and Exams Rescheduled
The University of Newcastle will close all campus locations on Tuesday, 12 November, excluding Newcastle City campus and Sydney campus due to forecast weather conditions and catastrophic bushfire risk. Exams scheduled for Callaghan and Ourimbah on this day for Tuesday, 12 November will be rescheduled for the same time on Saturday, 16 November.
Monday 11am | Health Warning Issued
NSW Ambulance have announced current conditions can have serious impacts on health and are asking those in fire affected regions to ensure they stay hydrated and pay attention to respiratory issues and heat symptoms including dizziness, headaches, racing pulse and nausea.
People are advised to be aware of embers, falling debris, damage to surroundings and reduced visibility which can cause injury.
Those with pre-existing medical conditions should ensure they have all medications with them. If you are seeking supplies, contact the SES info service number 1800 227 228.
Monday Weather
- LISMORE – Maximum temperature 24 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 24 kilometres an hour.
- TAMWORTH – Maximum temperature 23 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 16 kilometres an hour.
- COFFS HARBOUR – Maximum temperature 20 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 22 kilometres an hour.
- PORT MACQUARIE – Maximum temperature 22 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 26 kilometres an hour.
- TAREE – Maximum temperature 20 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 26 kilometres an hour.
- NEWCASTLE – Maximum temperature 21 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 28 kilometres an hour.
- GOSFORD – Maximum temperature 23 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 15 kilometres an hour.
Monday 10am | Premier Declares State of Emergency
- NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has declared a state of emergency due to dangerous fire risk and weather conditions. It will remain in place for seven days.
State of Emergency declared for NSW. Please be prepared and follow instructions from our Emergency Authorities. Please make sure you download the Fires Near Me NSW app. pic.twitter.com/M9JtMXnh38
— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) November 10, 2019
Sunday 6pm | Catastrophic Warning Issued for Hunter
- A catastrophic fire danger warning is forecast for the Hunter and Greater Sydney on Tuesday. A total fire ban is in place for the state.
CATASTROPHIC FIRE DANGER – Catastrophic fire danger now forecast for Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter areas on Tuesday. Large areas of state expected to see Severe or Extreme fire danger. Know what to do to reduce your risk. https://t.co/aWqC6QoZxA #nswrfs #nswfires #alert pic.twitter.com/YLEcnu8x6f
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 10, 2019
There’s a nervous few days ahead for firefighters with some hot days and strong winds expected.
Gavin Morris has the latest on exactly what’s in store.
The village of Willawarrin in the Macleay Valley joins the long list of communities now picking up the pieces.
48 hours on, and some locals are still struggling to gain access.
The Hunter is digging deep to help its neighbours rebuild after the devastating bushfires.
Donations are pouring in by the car-load, while volunteers are providing around-the-clock support.
Monday School Closures
As per the Department of Education Website
- Baryulgil Public School
- Bobin Public School
- Comboyne Public School
- Coolongolook Public School
- Coopernook Public School
- Dundurrabin Public School
- Hannan Vale Public School
- Harrington Public School
- Huntington Public School
- Johns River Public School
- Lowanna Public School
- Mitchells Island Public School
- Mooreland Public School
- Nymboida Public School
- Telegraph Point Public School
- Tinonee Public School
- Upper Coopers Creek Public School
- Upper Rollands Plains Public School
- Yarrowitch Public School.
Sunday Weather
- LISMORE – Maximum temperature 30 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 14 kilometres an hour.
- TAMWORTH – Maximum temperature 28 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 24 kilometres an hour.
- COFFS HARBOUR – Maximum temperature 24 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 16 kilometres an hour.
- PORT MACQUARIE – Maximum temperature 26 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 30 kilometres an hour.
- TAREE – Maximum temperature 26 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 27 kilometres an hour.
- NEWCASTLE – Maximum temperature 24 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 27 kilometres an hour.
- GOSFORD – Maximum temperature 24 degrees. Maximum wind speeds of 17 kilometres an hour.
Saturday 6pm
The worst fears have been realised from the unprecedented bushfires that have burnt so destructively across Northern New South Wales.
Three people are dead, several are missing and more than 150 homes have been lost.
More losses are expected as the hours and days go by.
Worryingly, hot winds and high temperatures are forecast for Northern New South Wales on Monday into Tuesday.
Scott Morrison has advised the ADF will be brought in to support firefighters.
