Firefighters are continuing to battle a bushfire that has blackened more than 350 hectares of the Karuah Nature Reserve near North Arm Cove, marking the fifth day of the operation. The fire, which is believed to have started outside the reserve on Monday, November 10, has been burning uphill into natural scrub.
On Thursday night, back-burning was carried out to bring the fire under control. On Friday, crews from the Rural Fire Service and National Parks Service focused on burning back to the fire's northern front near Tenterfield Road. They also worked to prepare containment lines around the communities of Carrington and Tahlee, which surround the reserve at the southern end of the Mid North Coast.
Residents in the area have been advised to expect smoke over their properties as the operation continues. A National Parks and Wildlife spokesperson urged people to drive to conditions and follow directions from firefighters, noting that roads may be closed without warning due to fire activity. There is potential for smoke to affect the Pacific Highway, and Transport for NSW is being kept informed to provide advice to motorists.
Aircraft have been assisting the effort, and crews on the ground have worked to protect properties in warm, dry, and windy conditions. Residents in Tahlee and Carrington at North Arm Cove are urged to stay updated by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website, listening to local radio, or calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
