Bushfires in New South Wales, Australia: Over 12 Homes Destroyed
New South Wales (NSW), Australia: On Saturday, bushfires caused widespread devastation in NSW, with at least 12 homes completely destroyed in the Koluwong area of Central Coast. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service confirmed the incident and issued an emergency warning, advising residents to evacuate immediately towards Woy Woy. More than 70 fires are currently burning across the state, many of which are uncontrolled, while heatwaves and strong winds have worsened the situation.
Flames in Koluwong: Rail Services Halted, Properties Reduced to Ash
In Koluwong, located about an hour from Sydney in the Central Coast, fire spread rapidly across Nimbin Road, Glenrock Parade, Lara Street, and Nimala Avenue, engulfing over 100 hectares. ABC News helicopter footage showed 6 to 12 properties destroyed, while Prime Minister Chris Minns officially confirmed 12 homes lost. The fire reached Woy Woy Bay and Fegans Bay, disrupting the Central Coast-Newcastle rail line and causing inconvenience to commuters.
By evening, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service reported that the Koluwong fire threat had decreased, and the warning was downgraded to ‘Watch and Act’. Firefighters, including 250 personnel, 50 fire trucks, and 9 aircraft, supported by Chinook helicopters, battled the blaze overnight. Though the fire caused no fatalities so far, shifting winds continue to pose a risk.
Upper Hunter in Crisis: ‘Too Late to Leave’ Warnings, Roads Blocked
About 200 km northwest of Sydney, the Millsons Gully fire in Upper Hunter—covering Berrami, Berrami Creek, Widden, Yarrawa, and Kerabi—has burned 8,600 to 11,000 hectares of bushland. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service issued a ‘Too Late to Leave’ warning, urging residents to seek shelter in solid structures and avoid venturing outside, as major roads like Bylong Valley Way and Golden Highway are blocked by smoke and flames. Near Bulahdelah, 8,500 hectares have burned, with 4 homes confirmed destroyed.
Temperatures of 42°C and winds up to 90 km/h have fueled the fires, though light rain from thunderstorms offered slight relief. Firefighters are strengthening containment lines along the eastern front using heavy machinery and aerial support, despite low visibility. Residents are advised to stay updated with weather alerts and preparedness measures.
Statewide Bushfire Crisis: Reminiscent of the 2019 ‘Black Summer’
Across New South Wales, 57 to 75 fires remain active, with 9 to 19 uncontrolled, affecting over 150 properties. The Bureau of Meteorology declared an Extreme Fire Danger, with temperatures reaching 108°F, highlighting the intensity of the heatwave. Several homes on the Mid North Coast were also destroyed, though no serious injuries were reported.
As of tonight, there have been no fatalities, but the New South Wales Rural Fire Service continues to urge residents to check live traffic updates, remain cautious of smoke hazards, and use the Hazards Near Me app. With the heatwave expected to persist, fire activity may escalate again, and a total fire ban remains in effect.
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