An urgent emergency warning has been issued for a fast-moving bushfire threatening homes in the Worrowing Heights area on the New South Wales South Coast, with residents being told it is now too late to leave.
Critical Emergency Warning Issued
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) escalated the situation to an emergency warning level on Sunday afternoon, November 16, 2025. The blaze, which ignited around midday, had rapidly grown to seven hectares in size and remained out of control as of 5:22pm.
The fire is burning in a concerning location, situated north of Sanctuary Point, south of The Wool Road, and to both the west and east of Larmer Avenue. Variable north-westerly winds are creating dangerous and unpredictable conditions, pushing the fire towards residential properties.
Immediate Danger to Residents
Authorities have delivered a stark message to those in the direct path of the flames. "If you are in the Worrowing Heights area, south of The Wool Road, east of Larmer Ave, you are in danger. It is now too late to leave. Seek shelter now inside a solid structure such as a house," the RFS stated via its Fires Near Me service.
The eastern section of Worrowing Heights contains a retirement village, which has become a primary focus for emergency services. Residents there have received direct text messages confirming it is too late to evacuate.
RFS spokesman Greg Allan highlighted the severity of the situation. "That's the area of main concern, and it's the proximity and the strong winds that have elevated that fire to the emergency warning level," Mr Allan said.
Major Firefighting Effort Underway
A significant firefighting operation is in progress to contain the blaze and protect property. Ground crews are being supported by aerial waterbombing aircraft in an effort to slow the fire's spread.
The firefighting force includes approximately 60 firefighters, 15 trucks, and multiple aircraft. Despite these substantial resources, there is no confirmed timeline for when the fire might be brought under control.
Mr Allan expressed hope that conditions may improve later in the evening. "We'll see how we go into the afternoon, usually into the evening temperatures drop and hopefully the winds will die down a little, which will help our crews on the ground get around it," he explained. The emergency warning remains active.
Residents in the broader areas of Sanctuary Point, Old Erowal Bay, and Erowal Bay have been advised to prepare for potential impacts and monitor the situation closely.
