Bushfire contained at Bulli, Princes Hwy lanes reopened

A bushfire along the Princes Highway in the Illawarra has been contained with both lanes of traffic reopened. Here’s the latest.  

An extreme fire danger rating is in place for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Picture: RFS

A bushfire has been contained along the Princes Hwy south of Sydney, after emergency crews battled to put out the blaze amid wind gusts of up to 89km/h.

Both lanes of traffic have been reopened at Maddens Plains, Bulli in the Illawarra region where the fire broke out at 9:30am on Monday.

The Princes Hwy was previously closed between Sublime Point and Appin Rd at Maddens Plains.

Both southbound lanes have been reopened at reduced speed.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) confirmed crews will “remain on scene for sometime as they continue to mop up and blackout the fire”.

The bushfire status has been downgraded from “out of control” to “being controlled". Picture: RFS

Traffic re-routed at Bulli Lookout

Southbound traffic on the Princes Hwy is being turned around at Sublime Point to travel north, and northbound traffic is being diverted into Appin Rd near Bulli Lookout.

“Motorists travelling from Sydney to the Illawarra should consider using Appin Rd, Picton Rd or Lawrence Hargrave Dr instead,” Transport NSW said.

“Motorists in the area should follow the directions of emergency services and transport crews on site.”

The RFS graded the fire at an “advice” alert level and has since downgraded the fire status from “out of control” to “under control”.

However, residents are advised to stay up to date in case the situation changes.

RFS helicopters are attempting to put out the fire. Picture: Darren Malone

One southbound lanes of traffic remains closed. Picture: Live Traffic NSW

RFS reports state the fire is adjacent to the M1 Princes Hwy and has dropped over the escarpment. No properties are under threat at this time.

It comes after the Illawarra and Shoalhaven brace for a day of extreme fire danger with hot, dry and windy conditions expected to intensify.

The Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions are currently the only area in NSW with an extreme fire danger warning in place.

According to the RFS, “strong winds are expected to pick up considerably over the coming hours”.

More to come.

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