A significant bushfire burning near Redhead in Lake Macquarie has dramatically intensified on Sunday morning after a southerly change moved across the fireground, prompting renewed warnings for nearby suburbs.
Fire Activity Escalates Overnight
The blaze, which now covers more than 40 hectares and remains uncontained, was first reported around 8:30pm on Saturday. Conditions deteriorated in the early hours, leading to an emergency warning being issued just before 3am. The fire directly threatened the Whiddon Nursing Home and streets including Collier Street, Bently Street, Shortland Street, and Beresford Close.
Residents in those areas were told it was too late to leave and to seek shelter immediately. Fire and Rescue NSW duty commander James Downey explained the fire broke out along the Fernleigh Track in an area that was “completely inaccessible,” hampering initial attack efforts due to the terrain and heavy fuel load.
Community on Alert as Fire Spreads North
As of 10:30am Sunday, the fire was at Watch and Act level. The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) confirmed the southerly change has caused increased fire activity, with flames now moving in a northerly direction towards Oakdale Road. The fire continues to burn north of Redhead on the western side of Redhead Road.
Authorities are urging residents in Dudley, Whitebridge, and Gateshead to monitor conditions closely. Several key roads remain closed, including Redhead Road at Redhead and Dudley, Oakdale Road at Gateshead, and the Fernleigh Track from the Station Street entrance at Whitebridge.
Community Spirit Shines Amid Crisis
Despite the danger, the community response has been strong. More than 30 fire crews from the RFS and FRNSW worked tirelessly through the night. Their efforts ensured no property was lost, including the Whiddon Nursing Home.
Local businesses have stepped up to support emergency workers. Paperboy Espresso in Dudley offered free coffee and toasties to service personnel, while My Village Pharmacy Redhead opened for emergency needs.
Alita King, a resident opposite the nursing home, described the loud noise that woke her street. “It’s great to see the community come together during an emergency,” she said, noting neighbours even managed to coordinate their street Christmas party plans while watching the blaze.
The fire is one of several in the region, with the Bulahdelah bushfire also burning at Advice level and the threat reduced from the Nimbin Road fire at Koolewong, where homes were lost on Saturday.
