Rural Fire Service crews have taken advantage of milder overnight conditions to strengthen containment lines at a bushfire in Port Stephens, which has already scorched more than 200 hectares. The blaze at Oyster Cove sent smoke billowing toward Raymond Terrace and Medowie on Thursday afternoon.
A journalist from Australian Community Media reported smoke carrying ash and a heavy smell of fire in the Raymond Terrace area. Residents near James Road and Coachwood Drive at Medowie, and at Moffats Swamp Nature Reserve, were initially told to leave if not prepared, but the warning was downgraded to 'monitor conditions' overnight.
“Conditions on the fireground have eased and the threat to properties is reduced,” the NSW Rural Fire Service said in a statement Thursday night. “Firefighters, supported by heavy machinery will continue to work to establish containment lines.” Those on the eastern outskirts of Medowie, along Lemon Tree Passage Road and Oyster Cove, were advised to monitor conditions.
Firefighters from Thornton and Lower Hunter brigades were on the scene, alongside NSW National Parks and Wildlife and Airforce firefighters from the Williamtown base. NSW Police and Ambulance reported no injuries overnight.
The fire was initially reported burning south about 1:20pm toward the Tilligerry State Conservation Area. The Hunter region had a high fire danger rating on Thursday, expected to persist through the weekend. A total fire ban was declared in the neighbouring Northern Slopes region, including several council areas.
Across the state, around 54 fires were burning Thursday evening, including a significant fire on the Mid North Coast that had burned about 389 hectares at Nerong. Residents are advised to use the Hazards Near Me app or Fires Near Me for updates.
