The fire has reached Barry Close and has continued to move along Cabbage Tree Road toward the Newcastle airport.
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Strong westerly winds have continued to push the blaze in an easterly direction. Firefighters are working in the areas as more crews have been sent to assist.
Aircraft are working with firefighters on the ground, and a DC-10 firefighting aircraft is understood to be en route.
Residents in the following areas have been advised to shelter in place as it is too late to leave:
- Barry Close,
- Cabbage Tree Road
- Massonite Road
As well as areas close to the Newcastle Airport along Williamtown Drive, and:
- Technology Place,
- Kindler Way,
- Cresswell Way,
- Slades Road,
- Sandeman Street and
- Moxey Close are advised to shelter in place as it is to late to leave.
Under these conditions, fires can be difficult to control. Embers may be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires. These spot fires may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front.
There are a number of road closures in the area including sections of Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd.
DC-10 Firefighting aircraft called in:
Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Masonite Road have been told that it is too late to leave the area after a grass fire flared up in strong hot winds earlier today.
Rural Fire Service has advised residents to shelter in place and to not try to leave the area, but to follow their bushfire survival plan and the direction of fire crews.
NSW Fire and Rescue have been requested to assist with property protection, and said that the fire had been burning for a number of days before the hot, windy conditions caused it to flare up on Saturday.
A spokesperson for NSW Fire and Rescue said the situation was still escalating at around 2pm on Saturday.
The fire is burning in the vicinity of Masonite Road, Tomago and is heading in easterly directions towards the Newcastle airport.
Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Road and Massonite Road are advised to shelter in place.
Firefighters from the NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW are working in the area and further crews are being sent to assist. Aircraft are also being sent to assist ground crews.
Under these conditions, fires can be difficult to control. Embers may be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires. These spot fires may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front.
Adivice for residents in the area:
- Residents in Barry Close, Cabbage Tree Rd and Massonite Rd are advised to shelter in place. Do not try and leave the area as it is too late to leave.
- Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan and prepare for a bush fire in your area.
- If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave early.
- Well prepared and actively defended homes can offer safety during the fire.
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking RFS online, 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, click here. Roads may be closed without warning.