‘Too late to leave’: Out of control blaze in northern NSW threatens lives and homes

Locals have been told to rush inside their homes as an out of control fire sweeps through, with “ember attack” also plaguing houses further away from the front.

Locals have been told to rush inside their homes as an out of control fire sweeps through, with “ember attack” also plaguing houses further away from the front.

Residents in Northern NSW have been told it is too late to leave as an out-of-control bushfire threatens to get worse overnight.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has enacted an emergency warning for Duck Creek and The Pilliga Forest, around 250km west of Tamworth, with the blaze burning in a south-easterly direction and north toward homes and properties in the Bohena Creek area.

The enormous blaze is raging in the north of NSW. Photo: RFS

Water bombers have been brought in to try and stop the blaze. Photo: RFS

“Strong winds are expected across the fireground this evening. This may result in heightened fire activity overnight,” the RFS warns.

It is now too late to leave for residents in the area of Bohena Creek between McCanns Rd, Perimeter Rd, Tomlinson Ln and the Newell Highway.

They have been urged to seek shelter inside their homes and protect themselves from the forefront.

The blaze has already burned through 84,766 hectares of land and is expected to get worse overnight as winds pick up, fanning the flames.

There are also concerns for residents in Baan Baa, Willala and Goolhi with the possibility of an “ember attack” from the larger fire.

The fire could worsen overnight as winds pick up. Photo: RFS

The enormous blaze is raging in the north of NSW. Photo: RFS

“Embers will be blown long distances ahead of the main fire front. These embers may start spot fires which may impact your home earlier than the main fire front,” the RFS warns.

“Actively monitor your property for burning embers. These embers may start spot fires which may threaten your home. Put out any spot fires you can.”

Video taken of the fire in The Pilliga Forrest shows flames leaping into the treetops and smoke billowing hundreds of metres into the air.

Firefighters are battling the blaze on the ground and from the air with water bombers deployed in the area.

Originally published as ‘Too late to leave’: Out of control blaze in northern NSW threatens lives and homes