An emergency bushfire warning has been issued for the Central Coast after multiple homes were engulfed and destroyed by flames near Woy Woy on Saturday afternoon. Residents in the affected areas have been instructed to evacuate immediately if their path is clear.
Emergency Evacuation Orders in Place
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) escalated the situation to an emergency warning level around 3:30 pm on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The fire is burning in a southerly direction behind Glenrock Parade towards Lara Street in the Nimbin Road, Koolewong area.
The RFS has explicitly told residents near Nimbin Road, Glenrock Parade, Lara Street, and Nimala Avenue to leave now if they can safely reach Woy Woy. Authorities warned that embers are being blown far ahead of the main fire front, which could lead to new spot fires threatening properties earlier than expected.
Road Closures and Transport Disruptions
Critical infrastructure has been impacted by the blaze. Brisbane Water Drive is closed between Woy Woy and Tascott, severing a major local route. Public transport has also been significantly disrupted.
Train services between Gosford and Hornsby have been suspended. Transport for NSW has arranged a very limited replacement bus service, but buses will not stop at Koolewong, Tascott, or Point Clare due to road closures. Commuters are experiencing extensive delays and have been advised to avoid travel if possible.
For those evacuating, an evacuation centre has been set up at the Gosford RSL Club on the Central Coast Highway in West Gosford.
Wider Fire Danger and Health Warnings
This fire is one of several burning across the Hunter, Mid North Coast, and Central Coast regions. A total fire ban remains in force across much of New South Wales, including the Hunter and central parts of the state.
Forecast thunderstorms and winds of up to 90 km/h pose a serious risk of sparking new fires. While temperatures are predicted to ease from Sunday in southern areas, the Bureau of Meteorology expects heat to build again across northern Australia and Western Australia early next week.
Health officials have issued a smoke alert, urging people with respiratory conditions to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and seek medical help if needed due to the poor air quality.
Emergency services continue to battle the blaze, with images from Nine News showing firefighting aircraft water-bombing homes already alight in Koolewong on Saturday afternoon.
Residents must monitor the situation closely via the Hazards Near Me app, the RFS website, local radio, or by calling the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737. The key message remains: enact your bushfire survival plan and follow all directions from emergency services without delay.
