Sydney’s Northern Beaches Fire Downgraded, Residents Still On Edge
A bushfire in Sydney's Northern Beaches that had threatened lives has been downgraded from Emergency to Watch and Act, but residents are still on edge as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
The NSW Rural Fire Service issued an emergency warning on Saturday afternoon, telling people in the vicinity of Pinduro Pl, Maybrook Ave, Jersey Pl, Kirrang St and Lady Penrhyn Dr in the Cromer Heights area to “seek shelter now” as it was too late to leave.
The fire, which started as a hazard reduction burn, had quickly escalated and was burning towards the Cromer Heights and Beacon Hill area. The blaze was sparked by embers from the burn being carried by strong winds past containment lines. Hundreds of firefighters were sent to battle the blaze with assistance from water-bombing aircraft.
However, conditions across the fire ground began to ease as wind speed and temperature decreased, leading to the downgrade from Emergency to Watch and Act. The RFS said the fire was now 80 hectares in size and burning in an easterly direction. People in the vicinity of Pinduro Place, Jersey Place, Maybrook Avenue, Kirrang Street, and Lady Penrhyn Drive are urged to be on alert for an ember attack.
The fire has also impacted several retirement villages in the area, with residents being forced to shelter in place. Levande Maybrook retirement village, which is home to more than 100 people, was told that it was “too late to leave” when the emergency warning was issued.
Firefighters Work Through The Night
Firefighters continue to work through the night to contain the fire, with backburning operations being conducted behind properties in the vicinity of Oxford Falls Road, Lady Penrhyn Drive, Willandra Drive, Maybrook Avenue and Pinduro Place. These operations will result in increased smoke in the Oxford Falls and Cromer Heights areas.
Willandra Road is currently closed between McIntosh Road and Little Willandra Road, with the RFS urging people to avoid the area. Residents are also being advised to actively monitor their properties for burning embers, as these can start spot fires that may threaten homes.
A Reminder of the Need for Bushfire Preparedness
The fire has served as a stark reminder of the need for bushfire preparedness, especially during the summer months when conditions are hot and dry. The RFS has encouraged residents across the state to dedicate this weekend to preparing for bushfire season.
Emergency services minister Jihad Dib acknowledged hot and dry conditions were anticipated in summer, adding “After several years of rainfall and flooding the vegetation has grown quickly and that is now drying out with the warmer weather, adding to fire risk.”
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said volunteers had responded to more than 1100 bush and grass fires since the start of July. A total fire ban was declared across Sydney on Thursday.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
While the fire has been downgraded, residents are still understandably on edge. The fire has also highlighted the importance of having a bushfire plan in place and knowing what to do in the event of an emergency.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has a range of resources available to help residents prepare for bushfire season, including a Bushfire Safety Plan template and a list of things to do to prepare your property. It is important to stay informed about weather conditions and any fire warnings that may be issued.
The RFS encourages residents to download the Hazards Near Me app, which provides real-time information on bushfires and other hazards in the area.
With the summer months approaching, it is crucial to be prepared for bushfire season. By taking the necessary steps to prepare, we can all help to protect ourselves and our communities from the devastating effects of fire.
