STRONG WINDS WHIP UP FAST-MOVING BUSHFIRE
“CRAZY” winds continued to whip up a fast-moving bushfire yesterday in the NSW Hunter that’s putting dozens of homes under threat, with some residents resorting to pots and pans to help fight the blaze.
An emergency warning was reissued yesterday morning after the fire at Campvale flared up just after sunrise and headed towards Rookes Rd in Salt Ash.
Yesterday it was believed two sheds were destroyed by the fire, while Salt Ash Public School was forced to close.
With potential gusts of up to 90km/h forecast, fire crews feared the blaze could spread via ember attacks.
“The fire is spotting in a number of areas under strong winds … and this will hamper firefighting efforts,” the NSW Rural Fire Service said.
Residents were being told to stay put, with several roads in and out of the area closed.
Salt Ash resident Alex Friggieri had not been able to reach his property since Thursday evening.
“I know someone whose dogs are still stuck at their property and they can’t get in. It’s not good,” he said. “People … were using pots and pans to try to put the fire out.”
Resident Kelly Hufnagl said the winds were “ridiculous” and hampering efforts.
More than 200 firefighters are battling the fire, including RFS volunteer and former prime minister Tony Abbott.