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NSW bushfires: Homes alight, conditions deteriorate amid heatwave as Gladys Berejiklian declares state of emergency

Firefighters are seriously hurt, towns are under threat, and at least 20 homes are destroyed as bushfires menace NSW again.

Debbie Schipp and Elias Visontay
10 min read
5:25PMDecember 19, 2019.
Updated 10:52PMDecember 19, 2019
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State of Emergency called as winds fan horror inferno

Three firefighters have sustained serious burns and at least 20 homes have been torched southwest of Sydney as the NSW bushfire crisis worsens. Two fires around Sydney are at emergency level, just hours after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a state of emergency ahead of dangerously hot and windy weather.

Kieran Gair 10.16pm: Four emergency warning issued

A fourth emergency warning has been issued by the NSW Rural Fire Service for the Currowan Fire, burning between Batemans Bay and Ulladulla on the state’s south coast.

Residents in Corang, Charleys Forest, Wog Wog, Northangera and Monga are being warned to “take shelter” as the fire approaches.

The fire is more than 105,000 hectares in size and is moving in a northerly direction towards Dolphin Point, Burrill Lake, Bungalow Park and Kings Point.

The RFS said fire crews on the ground are being “supported by aircraft” in a bid to “protect properties”.

At least 16 homes have been destroyed in the Currowan fire to date, which has flared to emergency level multiple times since it first ignited over three weeks ago.

Emergency warnings are also in place for the Gospers Mountain mega blaze burning near Lithgow, the Green Wattle Creek fire burning south west of Sydney, near Warragamba dam, and the Kerry Ridge fire burning near Muswellbrook.

Kieran Gair 8.28pm: Third emergency warning issued

A third emergency warning has been issued by the NSW Rural Fire Service for a blaze burning in Wollemi National Park, near Muswellbrook.

Residents in Olinda, Nullo Mountain and Bogee are being told it’s “too late to leave” and that they must “seek shelter as the fire approaches”.

Crews are struggling to put out embers which are starting spot fires ahead of the main fire front.

The 81,000 hectare fire is out-of-control and is moving towards isolated rural properties north of The Ovens and Bin Ben.

There are growing fears the fire may merge with the Paddock Run fire, which is burning to the south in the Howes Valley area.

Emergency warnings are also in place for the Gospers Mountain mega blaze burning near Lithgow and the Green Wattle Creek fire burning south west of Sydney, near Warragamba dam.

8.00pm: Albo stocks up on supplies for firies

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has been spotted in Sydney’s inner west stocking up on supplies for RFS volunteers he is due to visit tomorrow in the Blue Mountains.

Kieran Gair 6.35pm: Wollondilly ‘a disaster zone’

In Wollondilly, on Sydney’s outer fringe, phone lines went down and panicked residents were forced to shelter in a library as the Green Wattle fire tore through the towns of Bargo and Balmoral shortly after midday, destroying as many as 20 homes.

“It’s as serious as it gets here”, Mayor of Wollondilly, Matthew Deeth, told The Australian from an evacuation centre.

“There’ll be people who won’t have a home for Christmas and the danger is far from over”.

Mr Deeth paid tribute to his region’s “absolutely exhausted” firefighters and said they were now the community’s “last line of defence”.

“Our evacuation centre at Picton Bowling Club is at capacity and our RFS volunteers are stretched incredibly thin”.

One resident, who had evacuated, told 7 News she was shocked the fire crisis gripping large parts of rural NSW had reached into “suburbia”.

“You just never think it will get to suburbia, but it has”, she said.

Meanwhile, Wollondilly MP, Nathaniel Smith, described the region as a “disaster zone”.

“People are either trying to protect their homes or keep their families safe,” Mr Smith said.

About 300 people are sheltering inside RSL Clubs in Mittagong and Picton.

Residents in Bargo, Yanderra, and Balmoral as well as Pheasants Nest, Buxton, Couridjah, Thirlmere and Tahmoor were told it was too late to leave on Thursday afternoon.

Brighette Ryan 5.38pm: 20 homes confirmed lost

The RFS says 20 homes have been lost in Sydney’s south west, with the threat to property to continue into the night.

“We had hoped the southerly (wind change) would ease conditions but we’re not out of the woods yet …. there is still a few hours where we are very concerned about the fire raging in the Wollondilly area,” she said.

“Unfortunately we’ve lost 20 homes in Balmoral and Bargo and unfortunately reports just now of an additional 20 homes lost in Buxton.

“One of the worst things I’ve heard in relation to those lost properties is that they actually belong to some of our fire firefighters and volunteers who’ve given up own personal safety and protecting their own properties to go and protect others.”

Debbie Schipp 5.10pm: Bilpin danger heightens

The situations at the Gospers Mountain fire is deteriorating because of the southerly change whipping up wind gusts of up to 60km an hour.

The fire is being pushed north, jumping the Bells Line of Road at Bilpin.

Meanwhile, 7News has tweeted this terrifying footage of the fire at bargo earlier on Thursday afternoon:

Debbie Schipp 4.05pm: ’Southerly change; two emergency level fires

There are now two fires at emergency level, down from four several hours ago, but the danger is far from over.

RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons warns the southerly change which has cooled firegrounds south of Sydney as it sweeps up NSW could make matters worse before they get better.

“You get increased volatility, erratic fire behaviour and you get dramatic changes in fire intensity and fire spread. It’s still a very difficult set of circumstances in around the fire ground both for firefighters, emergency services and also for the communities in and around that area being impacted,” he said.

Firefighters Battle to Protect Properties as Homes Destroyed by Bushfire Near Sydney

The southerly change is affecting the Green Wattle Creek fireground with winds increasing, and changing it’s direction, burning northeast towards Tahmoor, Pheasants Nest, Buxton, Couridjah, Thirlmere, Bargo, Balmoral and Yanderra.

The Green Wattle Creek blaze is one of two fires at emergency warning level on Thursday afternoon.

The other is The Gospers Mountain ‘megablaze’, north of Sydney, where fire activity has increased in the Itchenstoke area and the RFS says it is now too late to leave.

Debbie Schipp 3.46pm: ’Dozens’ of building lost: RFS Commissioner

RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says it’s unknown how many structures have been destroyed by the Green Wattle Creek fire, but fears it will be into “the vicinity of dozens”.

Most of them are around Bargo and the Wollondilly Shire.

“There’s everything from people’s homes, people’s businesses, there are poultry farming operations … there are lots of buildings, including people’s homes and livelihoods that have been impacted by this,” he has told an afternoon media conference.

“It would be many buildings … dozens.”

He said firefighters and affected communities were “shattered” by the injuries and losses sustained on Thursday afternoon.

“They are trying to save and protect,” he said.

“They are devastated by the losses.”

He said among the homes lost are some belonging to those battling the blazes — firefighters who are “absolutely shattered”.

“They’re devastated by loss no matter what, but it just goes that little further when it’s your own home, or the colleague you’ve got sitting on the fire truck next to you,

having lost their home, while they’re out saving others.

“So it’s a tough afternoon. It will be another very emotional, very draining day for our firefighters.”

Fires stalk and RFS vehicle near Tahmoor. Picture: Dean Lewins/AAP
Fires stalk and RFS vehicle near Tahmoor. Picture: Dean Lewins/AAP

Debbie Schipp 3.30pm: Firefighters seriously injured

Three RFS volunteers have serious burns after being “enveloped” in flames as they battled an out-of-control blaze southwest of Sydney.

Two of the three were airlifted for emergency treatment, RFS commissioner

Shane Fitzsimmons said.

A crew of five was overrun by fire in their truck near the Bargo area, with a number of crew members suffering serious burn injuries, he said.

“They were first treated by their fire and rescue counterparts who were close by with first aid before being transported to the local showground, where ambulance paramedics arrived on scene to triage and treat and assess the injuries,” he said.

Two members of the crew received airway burns requiring intubation to protect their breathing, he said.

A 36-year-old and 56-year-old male were airlifted from the scene with serious facial and airway burns, and burns to other parts of their bodies including their arms, elbow, upper chest and a leg.

A female was transported by road to hospital.

A further two fireys were treated by paramedics nearby for smoke inhalation after fighting the Green Wattle Creek blaze west of Bargo.

Mr Fitzsimmons said communities have been left “shattered” by the injuries to volunteers, and destruction of property this afternoon.

Debbie Schipp 3pm: Highway closed, fireys injured

As the fires worsen, the Hume Highway has been closed between Narellan Road, Campbelltown and Mittagong, according to the RFS.

It comes amid reports several fire fighters have been injured in the firegrounds as they battle blazes around Bargo.

A southerly change is now sweeping the firegrounds. It might cool things marginally, but will also see winds increase — gusting up to 60 kilometres and hour — and change the direction of the fire.

RFS crews fight to protect a number of homes along the Old Hume Highway near the town of Tahmoor as the Green Wattle Creek Fire escalates. Picture: Dean Lewins/AAP
RFS crews fight to protect a number of homes along the Old Hume Highway near the town of Tahmoor as the Green Wattle Creek Fire escalates. Picture: Dean Lewins/AAP
Fire and smoke dwarf an RFS crew battling blazes along the Old Hume Highway near the town of Tahmoor. Picture: Dean Lewins/AAP
Fire and smoke dwarf an RFS crew battling blazes along the Old Hume Highway near the town of Tahmoor. Picture: Dean Lewins/AAP

Elias Visontay 2.45pm: Bilpin residents told to seek shelter

Residents in Bilpin, northwest of Sydney, have been told to seek whatever shelter they can as the more than 400,000 hectare megafire approaches the town.

Flames from the emergency level Gospers Mountain fire were seen billowing from bush coming up to Bells Line of Road at the early afternoon.

All mobile phones in the town received an emergency service text message at 2pm telling them to “seek shelter as the fire arrives”.

The fire is also encroaching Mount Tootie Road.

2.40pm: Grim outlook

Tired NSW firefighters are continuing to grapple with dangerous conditions and soaring temperatures around the state as almost 100 bushfires rage, AAP reports.

Four fires are at emergency level to the west and south of Sydney.

RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told reporters fire behaviour would be erratic due to volatile winds.

Air quality was hazardous or very poor across parts of the state on Thursday, and visibility levels across much of the Sydney basin were at hazardous level.

Debbie Schipp 2.32pm: Bargo in firing line

The town of Bargo, southwest of Sydney could come under threat in the next few hours, the RFS warns.

It’s expecting a southerly change to move across the Green Wattle Creek fireground. If that happens, there are fears the fire will be swept towards Bargo.

2.15pm: Climate protest camp-out at PM’s

Climate protesters have launched a “camp-out” at Scott Morrison’s Sydney prime ministerial residence, vowing to stay put until he returns from holiday. Demonstrators set up tents outside Kirribilli House on Thursday morning as they demanded urgent action amid unprecedented bushfires.

The prime minister is currently on a family break and will return to work on Monday.

He will then work through Christmas and the new year and travel to India and Japan in January for significant talks on security and trade with the countries’ leaders.

Protesters have pledged to stay in place until Mr Morrison returns, but acting prime minister Michael McCormack suggested they were wasting their time. “Go and do something productive. Go donate your time to Meals on Wheels or something like that,” he told reporters at the Rural Fire Service headquarters in Sydney.

“The fact is, the PM is not there. He’s having a well-deserved holiday.” Student Ambrose Hayes, one of the protest organisers, encouraged people to bring tents, snacks, dust masks and board games to the “Kirribilli camp-out”. The 14-year-old Sydneysider believed Mr Morrison’s holiday was badly timed. “Our direct message to Scott Morrison is for him to come home. Even though he’s entitled to a holiday, it shouldn’t be at a time where Australia is in crisis,” Ambrose told the hundreds who’d gathered in Kirribilli.

Debbie Schipp 2.05pm: Homes alight

The Green Wattle Creek fire was raised to emergency level just before midday, jumped a railway line, and has now reportedly swallowed homes.

Kerin Lambert — the duty commander Fire and Rescue — said numerous homes had been lost and now they were trying to save lives, The Daily Telegraph reports.

He said no lives had been lost.

“We are doing as much as we can to save lives,” he said.

“Numerous residents were home when this fire hit. It has come through without warning.

“All we are trying to do now is to save lives, that is our main priority. So far we are succeeding.”

The Green Wattle Creek fire is more than 156,000 hectares in size.

Debbie Schipp 2pm: New emergency warnings

Four bushfires are now burning at emergency level as fires worsening on the South Coast in areas surrounding Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, particularly the 100,000-hectare Currowan fire.

The Green Wattle Creek fire behind the dam was raised to emergency level just before midday on Thursday, as has the Tianjara fire burning east towards Hyams Beach.

Both are out of control.

A third emergency warning — for the Currowan fire in the Shoalhaven — was added just after midday.

The huge Gospers Mountain fire northwest of Sydney is also burning out of control on multiple fronts in the Wollemi National Park. The 410,000ha fire was lifted to emergency level about 2pm Thursday.

About 11.30am the Tianjara fire burning out of control in Shoalhaven was upgraded from watch and act, with the Rural Fire Service saying the Princes Highway may be affected.

The RFS said it is too late for people in the areas of Jerrawangala and Wandandian to leave, and advised them to seek shelter and protect themselves as the Tianjara fire, which covers 140ha, approaches.

“If you’re in Jerrawangola & Wandandian, it’s too late to leave. Seek shelter. If you’re in Sussex Inlet, Swan Haven, Cudmirrah & Berrara, remain in place,” the RFS said.

At the same time, the Green Wattle Creek blaze was also upgraded to emergency.

Debbie Schipp 1.55pm: Cloaked in smoke, stifling heat

Meanwhile, as hot weather grips the state, Sydney is again cloaked in smoke, with the harbour barely visible and temperatures in some suburbs above 40C

The Sydney Opera House is barely visible, covered in a cloud of smoke on Thursday. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images)
The Sydney Opera House is barely visible, covered in a cloud of smoke on Thursday. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

EARLIER: Sweltering conditions

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state of emergency would be in place for a week. It is the second state of emergency that has been declared since the fire season started earlier this year, with the first lasting a week from November 11 when the state experienced catastrophic weather conditions.

The Premier said people in key areas of bushfire concern should be “sensible and cautious”, particularly with some areas of the state predicted to swelter to nearly 50C on Thursday.

NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said while Thursday was predicted to be a tough day, Saturday could be even worse.

NSW Rural Fire Service crews fight a fire as it burns close to property on Wheelbarrow Ridge Road at Colo Heights. Picture: AAP
NSW Rural Fire Service crews fight a fire as it burns close to property on Wheelbarrow Ridge Road at Colo Heights. Picture: AAP

There are 1600 firefighters currently on the ground attempting to strengthen containment lines, but this is expected to increase to about 3000 personnel as the weather heats up on Thursday afternoon.

with AAP

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/nsw-premier-gladys-berejiklian-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-heatwave-fires/news-story/0e5640106371aca698b99d9c5f85c9ee