North Head: Concerns as bush fire burns close to Sydney’s historic Quarantine Station

Firefighters were forced to battle a bushfire late Thursday night near Sydney’s historic Quarantine Station on North Head at Manly

A bushfire is burning near the historic Quarantine Station on Sydney's North Head. Source: Todd Wildman, NSW Rural Fire Service Facebook page

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Dozens of firefighters battled strong southerly winds to stop a wildfire reaching Sydney’s historic Quarantine Station tonight.

NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service crews from across the northern beaches and north shore were called in to halt the blaze which started on North Head just before 9pm.

A major fire has broken out at North Head. Picture: Facebook

Firefighters were able prevent the flames from spreading from a large pocket of bushland bordered by the Q Station and Scenic Drive, towards historic buildings.

But three staff members at the Q Station hotel were evacuated as a precaution. There were no guests booked in at the time.

Dozens of residents who live close to the former military barracks on North Head were also warned by police to get ready to evacuate if the fire got out of control in the gusting winds.

The fire is burning in an inaccessible location. Picture: Todd Wildman, NSW Rural Fire Service Facebook page

A major fire broke out at North Head. Picture: Peter Hutchins

Northern Beaches Police told the Manly Daily that RFS brigades were monitoring the fire along Scenic Dr while Fire and Rescue crews were keeping an eye on the western edge of the blaze near the Q Station.

The fire could be seen from Manly. Picture: Peter Hutchins

“No buildings and structures are under threat at this stage,” a spokesman said.

“While three staff members were evacuated, there were no injuries or damage to property.

“The firefighters are babysitting the fire now and waiting until it burns closer to roads so they can put it out.”

Emergency personnel at the entrance to the Quarantine Station on North Head. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

NSW Fire and Rescue said that the fire was burning in an accessible area.

“Crews will monitor the movement of the fire as it is currently moving towards an area that was burned in a recent hazard reduction.

“Firefighters will remain on scene to ensure the fire remains in a contained area and to protect nearby heritage assets.”

Firefighters are waiting until the fire moves out of the bush towards the roadways. Picture: Todd Wildman, NSW Rural Fire Service Facebook page

Police established a containment line at the entrance to the Q Station where they stopped members of the public.

It was speculated that the fire may started after embers from a hazard reduction burn on North Head earlier this week were fanned by the strong southerly winds.