Major Fire Updates
Port Stephens (Lower Hunter Complex) Fires Update - 5.00pm 3/10/07
03/10/2007
More than 100 fire fighters are working on fires burning in the Tilligerry Peninsula area and any new fire outbreaks in the Port Stephens area. The fires have burnt out about 860 hectares of National Parkland, private property and Hunter Water Catchment land. One home was destroyed by fire in Salt Ash on Monday afternoon.
Around eight aircraft are currently supporting ground operations.
Strike teams will be deployed to provide property protection as required. These crews will be supported by water bombing aircraft. Other crews will continue to work to minimise spot fire activity and protect property with the onset of the predicted strong westerly winds.
Fire has broken containment lines south of Medowie, near the RAAF bombing range, and RAAF crews are working on scene.
The Oyster Cove fire has also broken containment lines to the south of the township. A temporary road closure is now in place on Lemon Tree Passage Road between Oyster Cove and Nelson Bay Roads. Local traffic is still being allowed through at this stage. Further road closures in the area may occur without warning.
Several remote residences in Moffats Lane, west of 12 Mile Creek, may also come under threat later today. NSW Fire Brigades are now providing property protection to homes in the area.
Residents are reminded to be aware of falling embers and smoke and should report any fire that is unattended by calling triple zero (000) immediately.
Residents should prepare their properties for the onset of fire and decide early whether they will stay and defend well prepared properties or relocate early to an area not affected by fire.
Residents surrounding the fire should continue to remain aware of the situation by listening to local radio.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday – TOTAL FIRE BAN weather conditions are extreme with temperatures reaching the mid 30’s, humidity dropping to nine percent and strong north westerly winds gusting up to 70k/ph.
Thursday – dry westerly winds turning SE in the afternoon. Maximum temperature in mid to high 20’s.
If you need to report a new fire or need urgent assistance call Triple Zero (000).
The official New South Wales bushfire season for 2007 has been declared for only three days and already 46 fires burn across the state. It is believed that at least some of the fires have been deliberately lit.

Weather conditions are hampering firefighting efforts, with high temperatures and strong winds helping to fan the flames.

Major fires are currently burning at Little Pittwater Bay on Sydney's West Head, Cowan North of Sydney, Port Stephens and at Evans Head on the NSW North coast. The fire at Cowan has caused transport chaos as it caused the closure of the Pacific Highway, F3 Freeway and the Northern railway line for several hours this afternoon.

Residents around the fires at Port Stephens and Evans Head have been advised by the NSW Rural Fire Service to prepare their properties for the onset of fire. 

With many of the fires thought to of been started by arsonists, NSW Premier Morris Iemma warned that arsonists would face imprisonment. "It makes you sick. There are sadly too many people out there that don't get the message," Mr Iemma.

"They are sick minds who deliberately light these fires, or even to recklessly do it".

A police strike force with 10 officers and two support staff to investigate the fires had also been set up with Mr Iemma stating that if more resources were required, the strike force would be provided with them.