The Hunter region is waking up to a thick blanket of smoke this morning, Thursday, December 5, 2025, with a significant bushfire near Bulahdelah impacting visibility and travel conditions. The situation is causing ongoing disruptions for motorists using a key stretch of the M1 Pacific Highway.
Highway Impact and Fire Details
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is actively managing the fire near Bulahdelah. Smoke from the blaze has spread across a wide area, reducing air quality and creating hazardous driving conditions. Authorities have confirmed that the M1 Pacific Highway is still being affected by the smoke, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and use their headlights.
The Newcastle Herald is providing continuous live coverage of the incident, including updates from emergency services, real-time traffic information, and weather conditions affecting the Hunter and beyond.
Other Key Local Stories
Beyond the fire, several other important stories are developing in the region today. The construction of the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace is pushing hard to meet its year-end targets. In a separate legal matter, convicted child sex offender Robert Marc Windsor is preparing to make another attempt to secure his freedom.
Additionally, concerning health news has emerged regarding wait times for follow-up medical procedures. New data has been released showing how long patients are waiting for a colonoscopy after receiving a positive result from a bowel cancer screening test.
How to Stay Informed and Contribute
The Newcastle Herald's live blog remains freely accessible to all readers for breaking news updates. However, links to some full articles may be reserved for subscribers. The news team encourages community input; readers can submit news tips, event information, photos, or videos by emailing news@newcastleherald.com.au. Further discussion on today's events can be joined in the comments section below each article.
As the day progresses, the live blog will be the primary source for the latest on the fire situation, highway conditions, and all major local news affecting the people of Newcastle and the Hunter Region.
