A significant bushfire emergency unfolded overnight near Redhead, south of Newcastle, forcing residents in its path to shelter in place as it became too dangerous to leave.
Fire Threatens Suburbs and Nursing Home
The blaze, which ignited in the vicinity of Redhead Road, had already consumed more than 40 hectares of land by Sunday morning, December 7, and remained uncontained. The situation escalated to an emergency warning level overnight as the fire directly threatened the Whiddon Nursing Home and properties south to Collier Street, including Bently Street, Shortland Street, and Beresford Close.
Residents in these areas received urgent instructions from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) that they were in immediate danger. The message was clear: it was too late to leave, and they needed to seek shelter immediately. The emergency warning has since been downgraded, but a watch and act alert remained in place at 9am.
Community on Alert as Southerly Change Pushes Blaze
Firefighters and emergency services worked tirelessly through the early hours to battle the flames. The RFS warned that a southerly change on Sunday morning was expected to push the fire north towards the suburbs of Dudley, Whitebridge, and Gateshead. People in these areas have been urged to monitor conditions closely.
The fire has caused significant road closures, disrupting local travel. Redhead Road was closed at Redhead and Dudley, while Oakdale Road at Gateshead and the Fernleigh Track entrance at Whitebridge's Station Street were also shut due to the fire, according to Lake Macquarie City Council.
Local Community Rallies in Support
In the face of the emergency, the local community quickly rallied to support both residents and emergency crews. My Village Pharmacy Redhead announced on social media it would open between 10am and 11am for emergency needs.
Similarly, Paperboy Espresso at Dudley offered free coffee and toasties to service personnel and firefighters working to protect the community. "Fighting to save our beautiful community from these fires," their post read.
Meanwhile, the NSW RFS continues to manage other fires in the region. The Bulahdelah bushfire was burning at an advice level, and the threat from the Nimbin Road fire at Koolewong on the Central Coast, where homes were lost on Saturday, had reduced by Sunday.
Authorities advise residents to stay informed via the Hazards Near Me website and check LiveTraffic NSW for the latest on road closures.
