Don't wait for firefighters to appear if danger is coming your way - that is the sobering message from the NSW Rural Fire Service ahead of "horrendous" catastrophic conditions expected to grip the Hunter today.
Fire crews across the region were preparing yesterday for the hot, dry and windy weather predicted after several days of bushfire devastation across much of the state's north-east.
The NSW government declared a seven-day state of emergency on Monday after the RFS announced Tuesday's fire danger rating in the Hunter, Greater Sydney and Illawarra would be 'catastrophic' - the highest on the scale. At the catastrophic level, RFS says lives and homes are at risk.
The catastrophic conditions come as much of the remainder of the state is subjected to 'extreme' or 'severe' bushfire danger ratings.
As of yesterday afternoon, almost 60 blazes continued across NSW - mainly in the north - with 10 classified as Watch and Act. A 309 hectare bushfire at Awaba remained at Advice level.
Temperatures are expected to reach the high 30s in the Hunter today.
Read more: School closures for November 12, amid catastrophic fire conditions
More than 30 schools across the region, several caravan parks, recreation areas and the University of Newcastle's Callaghan, Ourimbah and Port Macquarie campuses are closed today in anticipation of what the forecast might bring.
Ausgrid has also postponed work on the electricity grid.
RFS Lower Hunter operations officer Terry Burns said catastrophic conditions were "as bad as it gets".
Mr Burns said the Hunter had experienced extreme and severe fire danger days, but the catastrophic rating was rare and "definitely not good".
"Act if you need to act - don't wait for a fire truck," he told the Newcastle Herald.
"Our area of concern is the whole of the greater Hunter. It's about being prepared.
Read more: University of Newcastle to close campuses due to bushfire risk
"We bang on about bushfire survival plans, but that actually means having that discussion with your family. The other part is monitoring the conditions," he said.
Mr Burns said some of the 300 firefighters on their way to NSW from Victoria would be in the Hunter to help local crews.
"We're getting all the plans in place here now and we'll be as prepared as we can," he said.
Strong northerly winds and a top of 37 degrees are predicted for Newcastle and much of the Hunter Region today, with Singleton and Muswellbrook forecast to reach a top of 38 degrees.
Since late last week, bushfires have claimed three people's lives and destroyed more than 150 homes - mostly on the Mid North Coast and in the Northern Tablelands, around Taree, Port Macquarie and Glen Innes.
RFS advises people should leave areas affected by catastrophic fire danger well in advance of those conditions taking hold.
"Under these conditions, some fires may start and spread so quickly there is little time for a warning, so do not wait and see," the agency said on Monday afternoon.
"There are simply not enough fire trucks for every house. If you call for help, you may not get it.
"Do not expect a fire truck. Do not expect a knock on the door. Do not expect a phone call."
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian described the predicted fire conditions as "unprecedented".
"Our state has already been hit by some of the most devastating bushfires we have ever seen, with three lives lost and more than 150 structures destroyed," she said.
"With catastrophic weather conditions predicted for this week, particularly Tuesday with hot weather and strong winds, I have decided to take the commissioner's advice and make this declaration [of a state of emergency].
Read more: Hunter braces for 'unprecedented' catastrophic bushfire conditions
"It will ensure our state is best placed to respond to the predicted fire conditions."
The state of emergency gives RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons special authority to direct any government agency in their duties, control and coordinate government resources, conduct evacuations, close roads, pull down and shore-up infrastructure at-risk of collapse, enter or take possession of properties as part of the emergency response and order the shutdown of electricity, gas, oil and water utilities.
Mr Fitzsimmons told reporters on Monday the safest thing to do during catastrophic fire conditions was "not be in an at-risk area".
He said today's conditions would be "horrendous".
"If fires start and take hold they can be burning and impacting on people's homes, people's property, before we even get a triple zero call, let alone getting a fire appliance or an aircraft to start dealing with that fire," he said.
"The risk is absolutely real."
NSW Health urged people to take precautions against poor air quality expected across the region.
Environmental Health director Dr Richard Broome said smoke could aggravate existing lung and heart conditions.
"For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose and throat," Dr Broome said.
"However, people with existing lung and heart conditions like asthma, emphysema and angina are more likely to be sensitive to the effects of smoke.
"The best way to reduce exposure to smoke is to stay indoors with the doors and windows shut. Air conditioning can also help to filter particles from indoor air."
What to do in catastrophic conditions
In catastrophic fire conditions, NSW Rural Fire Service says:
- Have a comprehensive bushfire survival plan ready to enact
- If you are in the path of a fire in these conditions, your life will be at risk
- Avoid bushland areas
- Safer locations may include large centres, such as towns or cities well away from bushland areas
- If you are unable to leave, identify a safer location in case a fire starts. This may include a Neighbourhood Safer Place
- Stay up-to-date on bushfires in your area by listening to local radio, through the RFS website, social media and the Fires Near Me NSW app.
HUNTER SCHOOLS
- Public: 17 closures
- Catholic: 13 closures
- Independent: Three closures
UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
- Callaghan: closed
- Ourimbah: closed
- Central Coast: closed
- Port Macquarie: closed
- Newcastle City: open
RECREATION AREAS
- Glenrock State Conservation Area: closed
- Blackbutt Reserve: closed
- Mount Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area: closed
- Fernleigh Track: closed
- Green Point Foreshore Reserve: closed
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service-run parks, reserves, tracks, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas: closed
Holiday Parks
- Lake Glenbawn, Glenbawn Road: closed
- Hawks Nest, Booner Street: no arrivals after 4pm, Nov 11
- Jimmys Beach: no arrivals after 4pm, Nov 11
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