Wildfires devastate NSW coast as homes burn near Sydney
Wildfires devastate NSW coast as homes burn near Sydney
A powerful NSW bushfire ripped through coastal towns north of Sydney, destroying homes and forcing evacuations as firefighters battle scorching conditions.
A fast-moving bushfire swept through a coastal area north of Sydney on Tuesday, destroying or damaging at least 12 homes as scores of fires burned across New South Wales under extreme heat and gusty winds. The blaze took hold in the town of Koolewong, and residents reported sudden flames and smoke as the fire front moved quickly along the shoreline.
Aerial footage captured several homes ablaze while firefighting helicopters dropped water over the flames and crews battled to create firebreaks. One unnamed resident said: "You had no time to even think... we've lost everything, all we've got left is what we're wearing."
State authorities said conditions remain dangerous with soaring temperatures and strong winds likely to keep multiple blazes uncontained. Officials noted that dozens of wildfires are burning across the state as crews work to protect communities.
In a separate update, officials said hot, windy conditions allowed the fire front to jump a 1km body of water, underscoring the difficulty of containment. The disaster response was being stepped up with support for victims in Koolewong and nearby communities such as Bulahdelah, where several homes were reported destroyed.
The premier warned of a difficult summer ahead as firefighters battle around 20 uncontained bushfires. Residents brace for more hot weather while authorities urge caution and readiness to evacuate.
