Byron Bay bushfire: Brunswick Heads residents on edge as blaze burns for fifth day
Residents of a Byron Shire town have been urged to stay alert and keep an eye on their surroundings as a bushfire raises the alarm. Here’s what’s happening.
Byron Shire
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Residents of Brunswick Heads in the Byron Shire have been urged to stay alert and keep an eye on their surroundings through the day after a bushfire raised the alarm overnight.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) NSW firefighters have now spent five days working to contain and control the large blaze near state tourist hub Byron Bay, which has burned about 600 hectares.
On Tuesday night, the fire was labelled as out of control and Brunswick Heads residents were told to prepare to evacuate.
The situation has since eased and the blaze was under control late on Wednesday morning.
“Easing conditions overnight allowed firefighters to work through the night to slow the spread of the fire and establish containment lines,” an RFS statement read.
However, authorities have warned residents to be ready as the fire burning in Tyagarah Nature Reserve to the north of Byron is set to continue to be pushed toward the town by the winds.
Meanwhile, thick smoke continues to impact parts of the North Coast.
The RFS has urged Brunswick Heads residents to watch out for emergency services, to follow any directions and to look out for signs of fire nearby, like embers.
Residents should identify the safest area on their property and take shelter if they do not leave early, which is considered the best option.
Download the Hazards Near Me app or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Earlier: Firefighters are still working to contain a large bushfire around Byron Bay as the North Coast blaze has reached almost 300 hectares in size on its third day.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and National Parks and Wildlife Service reports the fire around Bayshore Dr in the Byron Shire is “being controlled” on Monday.
RFS spokesperson Ben Shepherd said crews were confident they would have the fire
contained by the end of the day, after it hit 272 hectares about 9am.
“There are still some active fires across the fireground, however, it’s not expected to threaten homes,” he said.
“There is currently heavy smoke in the area, as the internals of the fireground burns out. Smoke will abate over the coming hours.”
On Sunday afternoon, Byron Shire Council Mayor Michael Lyon took to Facebook to update the community. The fire then grew substantially.
At the time, the fire was “burning in an inaccessible area of national park north of Byron Bay, heading slowly in a NW direction towards Quarry Lane and Tyagarah”.
“Grays Lane is currently closed to the general public. Nil properties in danger. 23 NPWS & RFS staff on ground. Three aerial applicants water bombing. Heavy plant and equipment are doing fire breaks. Light winds and the fire currently ‘being controlled’,” he said about 3pm.
“Local police on the ground over the weekend. Nil concerns to area around Sunrise or Habitat residential area.”
Cr Lyon urged residents to “stay safe” and monitor the Fires Near Me or Hazards Near Me apps.
Councillor Mark Swivel also updated the community on the fire on its second day and spoke of a significant firefighting presence, including heavy machinery.
On Monday, a total fire ban will be in place for Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Far North Coast, North Coast, New England, Northern Slopes, North Western and Upper Central West Plains areas, the RFS states.
Residents have been warned of “hot, dry and windy conditions” and that high to extreme fire danger was expected for several areas across the state.
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