- Bushfire burned through 50 hectares of bush in Kurnell, in Sydney’s south
- Started about 5pm on a 28C day stoked by winds of up to 45km/h
- More than 40 firefighters battling the blaze to contain it and save nearby homes
- Wind change pushed it back towards ocean but fire crews will work overnight
An out-of-control bushfire is burning through 50 hectares of bush dangerously close to homes in Sydney’s south.
The fire broke out in Kamay Botany Bay National Park near Kurnell about 5pm and put residents on high alert throughout the evening.
More than 40 firefighters worked to contain the blaze and put out several spot fires near the Caltex Fuel Terminal in winds of up to 45km/h.
An out-of-control bushfire is burning through 50 hectares of bush dangerously close to homes in Sydney’s south
The fire broke out in Kamay Botany Bay National Park near Kurnell about 5pm
The spectacular blaze put residents on high alert throughout the evening
NSW Rural Fire Service downgraded the threat after winds changed to push the fire east back towards the ocean, removing immediate threats to property.
Fire authorities said they would continue to monitor the situation and were expected to work through the night to put out the blaze.
Locals were still concerned about the fire as huge plumes of red and yellow fire and smoke was visible from more than 20km away.
It was even visible from a plane coming in to land at Sydney Airport, as residents in Sydney’s southern suburbs described the sight as ‘scary’ and ‘getting worse’.
More than 40 firefighters worked to contain the blaze and put out several spot fires near the Caltex Fuel Terminal in winds of up to 45km/h
NSW Rural Fire Service downgraded the threat after winds changed to push the fire east back towards the ocean
There was concern the fire could threaten property but the wind change prevented that
Fire authorities said they would continue to monitor the situation and were expected to work through the night to put out the blaze
The fire burned after hundreds of Sydneysiders flocked to the beach to enjoy Father’s Day in 28C temperatures.
Farther inland authorities cancelled planned controlled burns as the high temperatures and howling winds of up to 45km/h stoked bushfire fears.
The Rural Fire Service put Sunday’s fire danger at very high and was worried a hotter September could bring numerous bushfires.
Locals were still concerned about the fire as huge plumes of red and yellow fire and smoke was visible from more than 20km away
Residents in Sydney’s southern suburbs described the sight as ‘scary’ and ‘getting worse’
It was even visible from a plane coming in to land at Sydney Airport
Authorities cancelled planned controlled burns as the high temperatures and howling winds of up to 45km/h stoked bushfire fears