SALT ASH FIRE CAUSED BY POWERLINES ARCING IN HIGH WINDS

SALT ASH
4:43pm

Investigations into the bush fire at Salt Ash have determined it was caused by powerlines arcing in the high winds yesterday.

The RFS confirmed that four homes have been destroyed in the fire as well as several sheds, garages, boats and vehicles.

RFS teams are continuing to assess the damage.

2:00pm
Barry O’Farrell is in Port Stephens visiting bushfire affected communities, where as many as six properties were destroyed.

WATCH: Incredible footage of men trying to save their mother’s home during Salt Ash bushfire

Fire tore through Salt Ash and Tanilba Bay yesterday, and police are investigating if it was deliberately lit.

Today the fires at Fingal Bay and Salt Ash have been downgraded to a ‘watch and act’ level following a southerly change last night.

We’ll have a full wrap of the situation in NBN News tonight at 6.

Port Stephens Mayor Bruce McKenzie has criticised authorities for not letting residents carry out hazard reduction burns to prevent bushfires.

“I believe several houses have been lost, which is a disaster as far as I’m concerned,” he told ABC radio on Monday.

“To me, all preventable if people were allowed to burn off. The Rural Fire Service, the politicians and the greenies have a lot to bloody answer for.”

Cooler conditions and overnight rain has helped firefighters battle the bush fire at Salt Ash.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Community Hall, Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown.

Lemon Tree Passage Road and Oyster Cove Road have reopened.

FINGAL BAY

The bushfire west of Fingal Bay continues to burn, but no properties are under threat.

Heavy rain last night and cooler temperatures, isolated showers and calmer winds are expected to help firefighters today as they work to consolidate containment lines.

Update from the RFS this morning

Advice – Mooreland Fire (Fingal Bay area, Port Stephens) 14/10/13 07:28
Posted: 14/10/2013
A bush fire continues to burn to the west of Fingal Bay in the Port Stephens area.

Current Situation
Heavy rain has fallen across the fireground overnight. Firefighters will today continue work to consolidate containment lines. Cooler temperatures, isolated showers and 40km/h SW winds are forecast in the area today.
There is no direct threat to properties.
Local road closures may be in place as firefighters work off these roads.
Advice
Residents should continue monitoring the fire situation and take direction from firefighers on the ground.
Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.
Other Information
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
• If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
• For information on road closures, check www.livetraffic.com. Roads may be closed without warning.

Advice – Browns Road Salt Ash (Port Stephens) 14/10/13 07:36
Posted: 14/10/2013
The Browns Road scrub fire burning in the Salt Ash area at Port Stephens.

Current Situation
Heavy rain has fallen across the fireground overnight.
Firefighters are this morning working to strengthen containment lines. The fire has so far burnt out more than 50 hectares.
There may be local road closures as firefighters work off these roads. Lemon Tree Passage Road and Oyster Cove Road have reopened.
An Evacuation Centre has been established at the Community Hall, Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown.
If you are travelling to Salamander Bay or Nelson Bay you will see smoke from another fire near Fingal Bay.
Advice
Residents should continue monitoring the fire situation and take direction from firefighers on the ground.
Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, know what you will do if the fire threatens your property. If you plan to leave, leave early. Well prepared, actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.
Other information
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
• If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
• For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.