Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here

NSW and Queensland bushfires: Three dead, more than 150 homes destroyed

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Three people confirmed dead
  • At least 150 homes destroyed in NSW
  • At least 19 firefighters injured, 16 members of the public hurt
  • First ever 'catastrophic' fire danger forecast for Greater Sydney region on Tuesday
  • 65 fires burning in NSW, 37 contained, 12 burning at Watch and Act alert level
  • 55 fires burning in Queensland
  • Erratic behaviour of the fires continues to threaten homes, with thousands on alert
  • Latest live blog updates: NSW and Queensland fires: Situation 'not seen in 40 years'

live feed

Dangerous days ahead for NSW

Thank you for following 9News' live online coverage of the bushfire emergency unfolding across New South Wales.

The NSW RFS has confirmed that more than 60 intense bushfires continue to burn across the state.

All of the blazes currently remain at an 'Advice' or 'Watch and Act' warning level, stretching almost the entire length of NSW, from Sydney up to the Queensland border.

The greater Sydney region is now bracing to be under catastrophic fire danger on Tuesday for the first time since new fire ratings were introduced a decade ago.

The RFS says catastrophic fire danger is forecast for the greater Sydney and greater Hunter regions - including the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast - for Tuesday due to worsening conditions.

"Catastrophic is as bad as it gets. Homes are simply not designed to withstand fire under those conditions," RFS spokesman Anthony Clark told ABC yesterday.

"We've got big population centres covered by that catastrophic fire danger - but also up on the north coast where we've simply got a lot of fires burning at the moment, those fires have got a real potential to run and impact on lives and properties.

"So the risk is very real.

Large areas of the state are also predicted to see severe and extreme fire danger.

Stay up to date with the latest fire emergency information via the NSW RFS 'Fires Near Me' website and mobile app.

Victims named

All three people who died in the unprecedented bushfires in NSW have now been identified while all those feared missing have been accounted for.

Julie Fletcher, 63, was named by multiple media outlets yesterday as the third victim of the bushfires.

Her body was discovered in a burnt-out home in the town of Johns River some 40 kilometres north of Taree on the mid-north coast.

Fires swept through the area on Saturday afternoon.

Ms Fletcher's neighbour Russell Souter said she was a "quality person".

"(She) would help you any time, her father was the same, they're just a really good family," Mr Souter told the ABC yesterday.

Ms Fletcher's sister told Mr Souter she was "just devastated".

"What do you when you lose a family member?" he said.

The second victim of Friday's firestorm, who was found in a burnt car near Glen Innes, is George Nole.

Those who knew Mr Nole, an elderly man from Wytaliba, took to Facebook to pay tribute to him.

"He was such a gentlemen. Will be missed by many," Crystal Grob posted.

Wytaliba resident Vivian Chaplain, 69, was earlier named as one of the victims.

Ms Chaplain was treated for burns before being transferred to a Sydney hospital where she later died, the Rural Fire Service NSW said on Saturday.

Friends have posted emotional tributes on social media.

"I am so sorry for your loss... Vivian was such a beautiful person," Laura Hayden wrote on Facebook.

"Many condolences to all at Wytaliba, each and everyone is in our hearts," wrote Nola Mae.

On Saturday, seven people were reported missing but yesterday the NSW RFS confirmed all had been accounted for.

Fires downgraded as conditions ease overnight

There are currently no 'emergency' level fire warnings as conditions ease tonight.

In NSW, 63 fires continue to burn, and 13 of these remain at 'Watch and Act'.

In Queensland, there are currently five 'Watch and Act' warnings.

However, fire fighters are warning fire-affected communities to prepare now as conditions are set to take a drastic turn for the worse heading into Tuesday.

'Mate, they are dead'

Neighbours and friends are mourning the loss of two of their own in the small township of Wytaliba, among the hardest hit communities in the NSW fires.

George Nole and Vivian Chaplain, 69, both perished in the flames.

Wytaliba Fire Captain, Kym Jeremy, was the last person to speak to George Nole before he perished attempting to escape the Kangawalla fire in his car.

"The last thing he said to me was 'alright, I'm going to leave'. That was the last I heard of him and I just said 'well go George, don't wait'," Kym told 9NEWS.

"I've had a couple of moments when I've been home by myself when I've had a chance to actually think about George for a few minutes. I've broken into tears a couple of times but I'm the captain so I basically have to keep shrugging that off."

Another local, David, choked up as he told 9NEWS that he lost all his possessions but that was "nothing" compared to the loss of his friend George.

"I lost a few friends in the fire. Lost all the possessions, but possessions are nothing. It's the people that count, hey," he said.

"Dead mate, they are dead. That's how it is."

"Honestly, if you are in the face of a bushfire get the hell out or be terribly prepared."

Pacific Highway to remain closed

The Pacific Highway - the main thoroughfare between Sydney and Brisbane - will remain closed tonight, as motorists are advised to avoid all non-essential travel.

The highway is now closed between Cundletown and Kew due to nearby out-of-control bushfires.

Northbound vehicles are being turned around at Cundletown, with motorists told to consider using Manning River Drive to stop at Taree. Motorists travelling south can also consider stopping at Port Macquarie or another town.

Heavy vehicles needing to travel can use the New England Highway, Kamilaroi Highway and Newell Highway, but will need to allow extra time.

NSW schools impacted by fires emergency

The devastating bushfire emergency gripping New South Wales will see some schools temporarily closed, NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell has confirmed.

"Safety remains the number one priority. If is not safe to travel to school please do not attend and inform your school," she said in a statement.

"Students sitting their HSC exams tomorrow should contact their school if they are unsure if exams will occur, or if it is unsafe for them to reach an examination venue.

"Students should not put themselves in danger for an exam. Students unable to attend an examination due to the bushfires will not be disadvantaged.

"We will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and work with emergency services to operate our schools safely. Further school closures may occur throughout the week."

An up-to-date list of schools closures can be found at the Department of Education website.

Tree fall at Nambucca Heads

Fresh images show the extensive damage to a fire truck battling the Kian Road Fire at Nambucca Heads this afternoon.

One firefighter partially outside the truck and a second inside the vehicle were injured in the tree fall.

© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2024

CONTACT US

Send your stories to contact@9news.com.au

Auto news: 'Just please no': Ferrari limousine in Melbourne enrages car lovers.