Newcastle Shrouded in Smoke as Port Stephens Bushfires Continue to Burn
Newcastle has been blanketed in heavy smoke as two bushfires continue to burn in the Port Stephens area, casting a hazy pall over the Hunter region this morning. The smoke, driven by overnight winds, has drifted down the coast, affecting visibility and air quality for residents.
Fire Status and Containment Efforts
The two fires are located at Oyster Cove and Nerong, extending down to Tea Gardens. Both blazes have been downgraded to an advice level, with authorities confirming that no homes are currently threatened. Firefighting efforts have been intensive, involving multiple water bombing aircraft and ground crews who have been battling the fires for several days.
NSW Rural Fire Service spokesperson Greg Allan provided an update on the situation. "Our crews were able to establish containment lines with tactical back burning and assistance from water bombing aircraft," he said. "We have had our large air tanker on this blaze and with the work from the crews on the ground we have been able to get this one under control and prevent it moving towards those homes to the south."
Impact of Weather Conditions
Strong north-easterly winds on Saturday night fanned the Nerong fire, which has now grown to cover more than 4,000 hectares of bushland north of Tea Gardens. However, conditions improved overnight, with winds easing and fire activity becoming benign, according to Mr Allan.
A southerly change is expected to move through the area this afternoon, which may cause the fire to shift direction back to the north. Mr Allan noted that this change could help dissipate smoke for communities south of the fire, but those to the north might experience smoke impacts into the afternoon.
Health and Safety Advisories
The thick smoke has prompted health warnings from NSW Health, particularly for individuals with conditions such as asthma. Residents are advised to:
- Spend more time indoors and avoid outdoor activity as much as possible.
- Keep the air inside homes clean by closing windows and setting air conditioners to recirculate mode.
- Seek out air-conditioned venues like cinemas, libraries, or shopping centres if necessary.
The smoke is also affecting traffic along the Pacific Highway from Karuah to Heatherbrae, with reduced visibility in both directions. Motorists are urged to exercise caution.
Community Monitoring and Ongoing Efforts
Residents in areas including Monkey Jacket, Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, Nerong, Mungo Brush, and the Myall Lakes Campground are being advised to monitor conditions closely. Firefighting operations will continue with water bombing ahead of the expected southerly change.
Conditions are anticipated to improve throughout the day, with smoke gradually lifting and clearing as the southerly change assists in dissipation. The Oyster Cove fire, now under control, has been limited to 448 hectares after previously threatening to move towards Medowie late last week.
As Newcastle wakes to another smoky morning, the community remains vigilant, supported by the relentless efforts of fire crews working to keep the blazes contained and safe.
