Man killed, 16 homes lost and dangerous days ahead as fires tear through NSW
Residents of the fire-ravaged Central Coast town where 16 homes were razed have been escorted back into the rubble, but it could be weeks before those whose homes remain standing can return for good.
A handful of evacuated residents are being escorted in to inspect the charred remains of their homes at Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast where 16 houses were destroyed and a further nine badly damaged.
Other residents of the tiny 118-home waterside hamlet encompassing Glenrock Parade and a handful of side streets are also being allowed in to retrieve clothes and essentials but have been told it could be another two weeks before they will be allowed back in despite their homes escaping the blaze unscathed.
Ausgrid crews are assessing the downed power lines, while there remains the threat of exposed asbestos and falling trees colloquially known as “widow makers” following bushfires.
Roadblocks have been set up on either end with a heavy police presence.
“I’m worried people will start stealing with everyone gone,” one female resident said as she was leaving with a car load of belongings.
Another resident Margaret Dixon described how the blaze came within three metres of her house and less than a metre from her children’s play equipment despite the house next door getting razed in the inferno.
“We’re lucky to have a house to go back to,” she said.
“It was so close and honestly if it wasn’t for the fineries we’d have no house.
“I feel a bit of survivor’s guilt, particularly walking through here, a road we go past every single day to go and from school and work and you know, friends’ houses are gone. I just feel grateful and a bit unworthy to still have a house. I don’t know why us?”
Given the erratic nature of the fire, which appeared to break out in at least two separate locations, along with the discovery of jerry cans, is fuelling speculation the blaze was deliberately lit.
Dozens of police, detectives and the arson squad have broken the area into three zones and are starting the arduous process of piecing together what happened.
“It’s going to be a massive Coroner’s inquest, just because of the number of houses (lost),” one officer said.
It comes after a firefighter died after being hit by a fallen tree in the bushfire ravaged mid-north coast.
Emergency services were called to Little Nugra Rd in Nerong, near Buladelah, about 11pm Sunday after reports a man had been injured while fighting the fire.
On arrival officers were told the man was struck by a tree.
Paramedics treated the man, but he died at the scene.
In a statement, The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Deputy Secretary Alex Graham said she was “very saddened to confirm the death of one of our firefighters overnight”.
“Fellow firefighters provided first aid until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with the firefighter’s family during this difficult time.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was heartbroken by the news.
“It’s devastating and it’s a reminder of what firefighters have to do to keep the public safe,” he said.
“This is many ways a dangerous profession, and we’re deeply indebted to the men and women that devote their time to keeping us safe. This is terrible news today.”
Both Anthony Albanese and Sussan Ley have paid tribute to the firefighter who lost his life.
“My heart goes out to the loved ones and colleagues of the firefighter who has tragically lost their life in the Bulahdelah bushfire. All Australians are thinking of you in your time of grief,” the Prime Minister shared in a statement.
“This terrible news is a sombre reminder of the dangers that our emergency services personnel face to keep our homes and communities safe – and the extraordinary courage that their job demands. We honour that bravery, every day.”
Sussan Ley said the news was “devastating”.
“All Australians are with the firefighter’s family, friends and the team who worked beside him,” she said.
“Our emergency services put themselves in harm’s way to keep Australians safe. Today we mourn this terrible loss.”
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin said it’s a “heartbreaking loss.”
“This dedicated firefighter was working to keep others safe, and his passing is a stark reminder of the risks faced by all who serve in our emergency services.”
“Our sympathies are with his loved ones and his NPWS colleagues as they navigate this devastating time. The RFS stands ready to support in any way we can.”
More than 50 fires remain burning statewide, all at advice level, though authorities warn the situation could change quickly.
The Bureau of Meteorology has cancelled the heatwave warning for NSW but says fire danger will remain elevated into Tuesday before showers bring some relief midweek. Sydney is forecast to reach 31C on Tuesday, followed by possible showers Wednesday, and heavy showers and thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday, offering the first meaningful rainfall in weeks.
Despite the incoming change, RFS Superintendent Ben Sheppard said the state still needs “a really good soaking” to ease the deeper fire threat.
“It doesn’t really show up in the long-term forecast yet,” he said.
Natural disaster assistance has been activated across six local government areas, with assessment teams continuing to move through damaged areas.
Authorities are urging residents to stay alert as NSW heads into another week of fluctuating but volatile fire conditions.
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