Bushfires near Tenterfield damage homes

At least three homes and two ­businesses have been ­destroyed as bushfires rage near NSW-Qld border.

An aerial image shows the Tenterfield fire burning close to properties.

At least three homes and two ­businesses have been ­destroyed, a firefighter injured and thousands of hectares scorched by bushfires raging out of control in northern NSW and southern Queensland.

Emergency warnings were ­issued for four fires in the north of NSW, with more homes said to be under threat.

A firefighter suffered severe burns to his face and neck while battling a blaze at Tenterfield.

Four streets in the town were under threat on Friday night, with two homes and two businesses lost. Six planes and helicopters were called in to support ground crews.

A "fire devil" - or whirlwind of flames - has been caught on camera as several fires burn in New South Wales. The fire is moving south east and the advice to residents is that it is too late to leave. https://t.co/2PpnAh1nDi #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/Vr5HkrgTZI

— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) September 6, 2019

The fire started near Mount Mackenzie on the southern outskirts of the town on Thursday ­afternoon and had burnt through 924ha by Friday night.

Tenterfield Mayor Peter Petty told the ABC a school had been evacuated.

NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman James Morris said it was impossible to determine the extent of the damage because the fire was moving so quickly.

Winds of up to 85km/h were hampering efforts to bring the fires under control. “It’s too erratic up there,” he said.

A home on fire in Tenterfield. Picture: 9 News

Firefighters battle a bushfire in Lithgow. Picture: 7 News

“The fires we have are at emergency warning level, it is erratic fire behaviour and there are threats to homes,” Mr Morris said.

“All residents in those areas are advised to seek shelter as those fires approach, it is too late to leave so they must protect themselves in a solid structure from the heat of the fire.”

Emergency Warning: Long Gully Rd, Tenterfield Significant fire activity still being experienced with spotting ahead of the fire. A WSW wind change is due later & may move the fire towards Drake & Bruxner Hwy. Residents should seek shelter as the fire approaches. #nswfires #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/b4ebPwyYuM

— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) September 6, 2019

A fire near Drake, 50km from Tenterfield, started on Friday afternoon and burnt through ­almost 1200ha. A warning was also issued for a fire at Bees Nest in the Guy Fawkes National Park.

Another fire, at Legume, on the border of Queensland and NSW burnt through more than 1000ha by ­Friday night.

Firefighters brace for the worst as fires continue to burn in the Canungra and Sarabah regions. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

More than 600 firefighters were tackling about 60 blazes across NSW, and more than 100 firefighters were tackling the ­Tenterfield fire.

In southern Queensland, fires at Beechmont, Sarabah and Stanthorpe triggered warnings for ­people to seek shelter as it was too dangerous to leave.

A home burns in Tenterfield. Picture: 9 News

Authorities have warned residents to seek shelter. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“As the fire approaches, it will become difficult for you to see, hear, and breathe. You will experience intense heat, darkness and loud noise,” a warning issued by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service read.

The Stanthorpe blaze started about 2.30pm and was moving east through the outskirts of town.

Residents lost power. One posted pictures of flames and smoke bearing down on houses in the town.

Smoke fills the sky over Stanthorpe.

At least one home was ­destroyed between Canungra and Sarabah, on the outskirts of Lamington National Park.

NSW RFS Commission Shane Fitzsimmons said it was “extraordinary” to have bushfires os severe, so early in the season.

“There are no record of … fire dangers ratings this high, at this time of the year,” He told the ABC.“It is ominous for the season ahead.

“It is a long night ahead and indeed a long weekend ahead.”