Northern NSW bushfires: Too late to leave for residents in path of infernos

It is too late to leave for residents near Tenterfield, Busbys Flat and Long Gully Rd, as bushfires get out of control in hot, windy conditions.

A fire is burning towards the village of Rappville, south of Casino.

IN A HORROR day for firefighters in Northern NSW, three emergency warnings have been issued over blazes near Tenterfield, Busbys Flat Rd and, most recently, Long Gully Rd at Drake.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• It is too late to leave for residents in both areas. Seek shelter as the fire approaches
• Monitor conditions in your area
• Under strong winds, embers may be blown ahead of the fire front, creating spot fires. These spot fires may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately
• Summerland Way is closed south of Ellangowan
• More roads may be closed without warning.

For full information about the Tenterfield fire, check this story.

For full information about the situation at Busbys Flat Rd, read this story.

The Long Gully Rd fire was upgraded to an emergency level warning just after 3pm this afternoon.

The bushfire, which has already burnt more than 66,000ha, is now listed as out of control.

An aerial image of the Busbys Flat Rd bushfire, taken by the RFS.

The bushfire near Drake had been contained, but has seen increased fire activity this afternoon on the south eastern side of the fire around the area of Ewingar.

The fire has crossed Ewingar Creek and is burning towards Ridge Road, North Ewingar Road and Grandview Road.
Residents in the areas of Ridge Road, North Ewingar Road and Grandview Road should take shelter as the fire approaches. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.

Monitor conditions in your area. Under strong winds, embers may be blown ahead of the fire front, creating spot fires. These spot fires may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front.

NSW Fire and Rescue crews are currently assisting the NSW Rural Fire Service with property protecting at both Tenterfield and Rappville.

Both fires are currently under emergency warning, and a NSW Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said strike teams are helping to protect properties under threat.

An emergency level warning is in place for a fire near Tenterfield.

More fires

The RFS has also listed out of control fires at:

• Summerland Way, Leeville
• Plains Station Rd, Tabulam
• Bruxner Highway, Drake
• Scrub Rd, Tenterfield.

Originally published as Northern NSW bushfires: Too late to leave for residents in path of infernos