Firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service have successfully worked through the night to contain a significant bushfire burning north of Dungog in the Hunter region.
Overnight Firefighting Efforts
RFS crews from Gresford, Vacy and Bendolba-Salisbury battled the blaze at Simons Road in the Salisbury and Chichester area throughout Wednesday, November 19. The fire had burnt through 1469 hectares by 8pm that evening.
Firefighters utilized Category 7 and Category 9 vehicles to conduct strategic back-burning operations overnight. This crucial work involved tying the fire into already burnt areas to prevent it from spreading to new territory. The Gresford fire brigade confirmed the fire was under control by Wednesday.
Additional Fire in Karuah Nature Reserve
Meanwhile, other RFS crews have been managing a separate bushfire in the Karuah Nature Reserve near North Arm Cove. This fire, which began on November 10, has burnt 876 hectares and is now also under control.
The North Arm Cove brigade reported that National Parks Service crews are working diligently to maintain control, with a helicopter conducting slow aerial sweeps each morning. Helicopters are also deploying incendiary devices to safely burn remaining fuel, ensuring no unburnt material remains after ground crews complete their work.
Smoke Warnings for Local Communities
The RFS has issued warnings that both the Karuah and Salisbury fires could generate smoke affecting the Gresford and Paterson areas if wind conditions change on Thursday, November 20. Residents in these regions should remain aware of potential smoke hazards throughout the day.
