A significant bushfire that triggered an emergency warning near Sanctuary Point on the New South Wales South Coast has been downgraded, offering relief to residents after a dangerous 24 hours.
Fire Status Downgraded Overnight
The blaze, which ignited off Larmer Avenue in Worrowing Heights just before midday on Sunday, November 16, quickly took hold in dry vegetation and gusty winds. By late Sunday afternoon, the situation had escalated to an emergency warning level, with residents told it was too late to leave and to seek immediate shelter.
However, a favourable southerly wind change moving across the fireground overnight helped firefighters gain the upper hand. As of 7:30am on Monday, November 17, the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) confirmed the fire had been downgraded to an 'advice' level.
The fire has burnt through approximately 28 hectares. "Firefighters overnight have conducted backburns around the edge of the fire in an effort to contain the fire," a statement from the NSW RFS said.
Sunday's Dramatic Response
During the peak of the emergency on Sunday, the community faced a direct threat. Water-bombing aircraft and a large air tanker were deployed, dropping fire retardant to create a defensive line and slow the fire's spread towards residential areas in Sanctuary Point and Old Erowal Bay.
The urgent warnings highlighted the volatile conditions, with authorities instructing people in the path of the fire that their only safe option was to shelter as the main front passed through.
Ongoing Vigilance Required
Despite the improved situation, the fire is not yet fully contained. The NSW RFS has warned that active fire will remain visible within the fireground's interior. Firefighters will continue working throughout Monday to strengthen containment lines, which may include further backburning operations if conditions permit.
Weather conditions remain a concern, with a high fire danger in place and winds predicted to gust up to 40km/h during the day before easing to around 25km/h by evening. A strong wind warning is also current for the Illawarra and Batemans Bay coastlines.
Residents in Worrowing Heights, Sanctuary Point, and Old Erowal Bay are urged to stay alert and monitor the situation. The NSW RFS advises people to follow their Bushfire Survival Plan and keep updated via the Hazards Near Me app.
Those who defended their properties should continue to monitor for spot fires and burning embers, both inside and outside their homes. Caution is also advised outdoors due to the risk of falling trees destabilised by the fire.
