Worrowing Heights: NSW RFS downgrades bushfire warning

The Rural Fire Service has downgraded a warning to Worrowing Heights residents, but a blaze that was earlier threatening homes with the blaze now under control.

A waterbombing aircraft picks up more water to dump on the fire. Picture: NSW Incident Alerts

A bushfire burning in the Worrowing Heights and Sanctuary Point area has scorched more than 28ha, with crews spending last night bringing the blaze under control.

A southerly wind change moved across the fireground overnight, easing conditions and reducing fire intensity.

The fire is burning north of Sanctuary Point, south of The Wool Rd and along Larmer Ave.

Firefighters carried out backburning operations around the perimeter overnight in an effort to contain the blaze, though some sections of the fire remain uncontained and an active fire is still visible within the interior of the fireground.

A bushfire burning in the Worrowing Heights and Sanctuary Point area has scorched more than 28 hectares. Picture: Supplied.

Earlier fire crews warned residents it was too late to leave, saying homes were potentially under threat.

“If you are in the Worrowing Heights area, you are in danger,” a warning just after 6pm on Sunday said.

“It is now too late to leave.

“Seek shelter now inside a solid structure such as a house.

“The fire is burning in the Worrowing Heights area, north of Sanctuary Point, south of The Wool Rd and to the west and east of Larmer Ave and is not yet controlled.”

The RFS later downgraded the warning to “watch and act” status.

“The alert level for this fire has been downgraded due to reduced fire activity, and the assistance of the large air tanker for crews on the fireground,” the RFS said in an update after 8pm.

“Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.”

The RFS said people in the area of Sanctuary Point, Old Erowal Bay and Erowal Bay should also continue to monitor conditions.

“Firefighters and waterbombing aircraft are working to slow the spread of the fire,” the RFS said.

Originally published as Worrowing Heights: NSW RFS downgrades bushfire warning