Residents claim their homes were left to burn as ‘all the trucks went straight to Russell Crowe’ 

Fire-ravaged residents claim their homes were left to burn while fire trucks drove straight past them to Russell Crowe’s property.

The Academy Award-winning actor’s 400-hectare property in Nana Glen, an emergency zone on the New South Wales mid-north coast, was under threat on Tuesday.

Properties were just metres away from being engulfed in flames before water-bombing helicopters saved the homes near Coffs Harbour.

Smoke from a large bushfire is seen outside Nana Glen, near Russell Crowe’s 400-hectare property 

Properties were just centimetres away from being engulfed in flames before water-bombing helicopters saved the homes, causing residents to become emotional (pictured)

Properties were just centimetres away from being engulfed in flames before water-bombing helicopters saved the homes, causing residents to become emotional (pictured)

The heat is continuing into the evening as winds pick up, but furious residents in the area have claimed firefighters prioritised Crowe’s property.

‘I’m angry because our friends house is there burning and all the trucks go to Russell Crowe’s,’ resident Debbie Waldon told Seven News through tears.  

‘What about normal, everyday people?’

The NSW Rural Fire Service said Ms Waldon’s claims were nonsense. 

‘Firefighters are not aware of whose homes they are being sent to – aerial crews wouldn’t be aware of whose property they are going to either,’ a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Crews are dispatched on priority of jobs and the properties that need it the most, we are not aware of who owns the properties.’  

A number of large bush fires are currently burning in the Coutts Crossing, Coramba, and Glenreagh areas.  

Crowe took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to encourage Australian musician Troy Casser-Daley to use the NSW Rural Fire Service app.

The country singer said his mother was evacuated ‘as a precaution’ to Grafton, in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

‘What’s the best way to be updated down that way @NSWRFS please?’ Casser-Dalley asked his followers on Twitter.

The Academy Award-winning actor owns a 400-hectare property (pictured) in Nana Glen - one of the emergency zones

The Academy Award-winning actor owns a 400-hectare property (pictured) in Nana Glen – one of the emergency zones

Residents suffering in fire ravaged areas are furious that their homes were left to burn while fire trucks went straight to Russell Crowe's (pictured) property

Residents suffering in fire ravaged areas are furious that their homes were left to burn while fire trucks went straight to Russell Crowe’s (pictured) property 

‘Get the app mate. It’s very helpful,’ Crowe responded. 

A number of concerned fans have sent messages of support to the Gladiator actor

‘Hope your place is safe. Kindest thoughts and prayers for all threatened by bushfires,’ one wrote. 

‘Just saw the warning for Nana Glen, stay safe Russ x,’ said another. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Rural Fire Service for comment. 

At 7pm on Tuesday there were more than 70 fires burning in both NSW and Queensland with up to 20,000 firefighters trying to stop them spreading, and the Army preparing to use helicopters to evacuate residents whose lives are at risk. 

On the state’s north coast, a blaze along the Liberation Trail north-west of Coffs Harbour has been updated to emergency level.

‘The fire has breached containment lines and is threatening Yarracooma, Paddys Plain, Cradle Creek and Lowanna. If you are in these areas, leave now towards Dorrigo before it is too late,’ NSW RFS warned. 

At 6.30pm on Tuesday, 13 bushfires across NSW were at emergency warning while another seven were at watch and act with dangerous conditions forecast for another few more hours. 

Thousands of residents on the NSW mid-north coast have already been told that it is too late to leave their homes.

A change in winds forecast for this time could see fires switch directions instantly, turning the flank of blazes that are under control into towering walls of fire. 

Fires burned out of control in Sydney’s north ahead of a wind change at 6pm that could send infernos in a completely new direction, spelling disaster for at risk areas.

Firefighters have been on high-alert since early Tuesday morning, with a mix of 37C temperatures and winds of up to 90km/h leaving conditions in many parts of New South Wales to be given a ‘catastrophic’ rating.

Two fires were burning out of control in forest close to homes near South Turramurra, with flames leaping as high as four metres into the air.

Houses in the danger area at South Turramurra were left covered in pink fire retardant after an RFS Hercules helicopter drop

Houses in the danger area at South Turramurra were left covered in pink fire retardant after an RFS Hercules helicopter drop

An out of control fire was burning in forest near South Turramurra, in Sydney's north, with flames leaping into the air

An out of control fire was burning in forest near South Turramurra, in Sydney’s north, with flames leaping into the air

Homes on Canoon Rd and Barwon Avenue in South Turramurra were covered in fire retardant on Tuesday afternoon

Homes on Canoon Rd and Barwon Avenue in South Turramurra were covered in fire retardant on Tuesday afternoon

The blaze began just after 4.20pm on Tuesday, with an RFS operated Hercules helicopter dropping fire retardant on the area around Cunoon Road and Kissing Point Road at about 4.45pm.

Residents in the area were told it was too late to leave.  

‘Walked out the front door, fire trucks racing down the street, flames three, four metres tall…pretty hectic,’ Sean Murphy told Nine News.

Another resident added: ‘It seems like only 20 to 30 metres in but it only took five or 10 minutes until the whole lot took up and flames probably about 150 feet in the air through the tree tops.’

The bushfire threat has since been downgraded from emergency to advice level.

‘The fire is under control and the immediate threat to properties has eased,’ NSW RFS tweeted just before 6pm.

A firefighter battling the blaze suffered a fractured wrist and suspected fractured ribs while slipping on fire retardant. 

There are fears the South Turramurra blazes may have been deliberately lit.

‘Someone came up to me and asked if I saw anyone running out of the bushes because they think it could have been arson,’ one resident told Seven News.   

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons urged residents to remain vigilant.  

Long night ahead: The firefighters in the mid-north are facing a long night ahead as a southerly wind picks up around midnight and into Wednesday morning. Pictured: A firefighter at Koorainghat on Tuesday

Long night ahead: The firefighters in the mid-north are facing a long night ahead as a southerly wind picks up around midnight and into Wednesday morning. Pictured: A firefighter at Koorainghat on Tuesday

Jamie Fato tries to stop an out of control fire entering Owen Whalan's property at Koorainghat, near Taree, on the Mid North Coast region of NSW, on Tuesday

Jamie Fato tries to stop an out of control fire entering Owen Whalan’s property at Koorainghat, near Taree, on the Mid North Coast region of NSW, on Tuesday

On hand: A brave firefighter works to contain a fire at Koorainghat, near Taree, New South Wales on Tuesday

On hand: A brave firefighter works to contain a fire at Koorainghat, near Taree, New South Wales on Tuesday

‘We have been dealing with fires on the north coast, new fires in other parts of New South Wales, including the Greater Sydney environment, he told reporters just after 5.30pm on Tuesday.

‘We need people to remain vigilant and act in accordance with their plan and any guidance provided by the authorities. We still have many hours yet of these strong dry winds to dominate and influence weather and fire behaviour.

‘We’ve still got the southerly change expected to move through later tonight, across the fire grounds still burning up in northern New South Wales. We’re watching very closely at the fire north of Hawkesbury, in the north of the Hawkesbury area, moving into Putty Road. It’s developing a fairly significant smoke column, so we’re mindful of the potential for that fire to continue to burn and burn aggressively for some time.’

He added that firefighters and people on the ground will have to deal with whatever the southerly change brings on Tuesday night while aircraft are grounded.

‘So the last thing we can afford is for people to become complacent or become relaxed, because we’re getting towards the end of the day,’ Commissioner Fitzsimmons said. 

Those fighting the fires in northern NSW will be on edge well into the night, with the strong winds not expected to reach Taree and surrounding areas until closer to midnight. 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a ‘state of emergency’ on Sunday, handing control over the management of the bushfires to the Rural Fire Service.

As part of this move, RFS officers have the ability to force people to evacuate at risk areas even if they want to stay and defend their homes.

Blaze: A firefighter battles the flames during bushfires near Taree on the mid-north coast of New South Wales on Monday

The shirts of their back: The three men successful managed to put out the majority of this blaze, but know there is more ahead

The shirts of their back: The three men successful managed to put out the majority of this blaze, but know there is more ahead

Warning: Fire bosses warned against complacency and said the fires are likely to spread throughout the day. Pictured: A fire near Taree, mid New South Wales on Monday

Warning: Fire bosses warned against complacency and said the fires are likely to spread throughout the day. Pictured: A fire near Taree, mid New South Wales on Monday

Sydneysiders woke up to a smoky but calm morning with two infernos – one in the Hawkesbury and another in the Blue Mountains – under control.

What does a state of emergency mean? 

A state of emergency allows emergency services personnel to:

Direct the public to evacuate an area or not enter an area

Order power and gas supplies to be shut off

Shore up or pull down buildings

Enter premises to facilitate the exercise of these powers.

But fire bosses warned against complacency and said the fires are likely to spread throughout the day, potentially threatening 100,000 homes around the Harbour City.

‘The reality is conditions will simply continue to get worse and deteriorate over the coming hours,’ Mr Fitzsimmons said.

‘They will continue to strengthen and build ahead of the passage of that cold front that’s moving across the state.

‘Later on today, we’re expecting the southerly to start influencing and driving like a southerly buster up the coastal strip, and more southwesterly-southerly across the ranges and further inland.’

While a cool change would normally be seen as good news, meteorologist Rob Sharpe explained the dangers of it to Sky News.

‘Any fires burning near the coast will become extremely dangerous as the change arrives as the fire flank will suddenly become the fire front,’ Mr Sharpe said.

‘We’ve noticed that at 9am the cool change crossed the Victorian and NSW border slightly ahead of the forecast.

Disaster looming: Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said firefighters and affected communities were facing 'a really long night' as winds strengthened. Pictured: Flames burn at Half Chain road at Koorainghat on Tuesday

Disaster looming: Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said firefighters and affected communities were facing ‘a really long night’ as winds strengthened. Pictured: Flames burn at Half Chain road at Koorainghat on Tuesday

Destruction: An aerial view shows burnt bushland near Port Macquarie, with some trees orange and others turned to ash

Destruction: An aerial view shows burnt bushland near Port Macquarie, with some trees orange and others turned to ash

On guard: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured on Monday at RFS HQ) officially declared a state of emergency which will last for seven days - as fire chiefs warned the infernos will be too dangerous to put out

On guard: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured on Monday at RFS HQ) officially declared a state of emergency which will last for seven days – as fire chiefs warned the infernos will be too dangerous to put out

‘The southerly buster is due to reach Wollongong around 5pm, Sydney at 6pm or 7pm and Newcastle close to 8pm.’

Adding to the pain for firefighters and residents in at-risk is a distinct lack of rain on the horizon over coming days. 

Four people were charged by NSW Police on Tuesday for breaching a total fire ban, including a nine-year-old boy.

The youngster was caught using a blowtorch to light a fire in long grass behind Sullivan Street at Worrigee, near Nowra. He was issued a warning under the Young Offenders Act.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned against complacency, saying this morning was the ‘calm before the storm’.

‘We’re not expecting the front until the early afternoon around 2pm… it will be a strong wind and will blow its way all the way up the coast,’ he told Ray Hadley on radio station 2GB on Tuesday morning. 

But the PM tried to prevent mass panic, adding: ‘Just want to assure people, Ray, that everything that can be done is being done.’  

‘The one mercy in all this is there’s been a few days to prepare and for people to prepare and I trust people have done that,’ he said.  

So far, fires in the NSW north-east have claimed three lives, destroyed more than 150 homes, and razed more than 1 million hectares (3,800 square miles) of forest and farmland since Friday. 

The week-long declaration of a state of emergency gives the Rural Fire Service sweeping powers to control resources and direct other government agencies. 

Protecting their land: Residents try to contain a fire at Koorainghat, near Taree, New South Wales on Wednesday

Protecting their land: Residents try to contain a fire at Koorainghat, near Taree, New South Wales on Wednesday

Pictured: Firefighters tackle wildfires in Taree, 350km north of Sydney on Saturday

Pictured: Firefighters tackle wildfires in Taree, 350km north of Sydney on Saturday 

Officials have advised people to evacuate while they can saying emergency services will not be able to save everyone. Pictured: Flames encroaching a residential street in Harrington, on the Mid North Coast, on Friday

Officials have advised people to evacuate while they can saying emergency services will not be able to save everyone. Pictured: Flames encroaching a residential street in Harrington, on the Mid North Coast, on Friday

Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell issued an order to local base commanders to use defence resources in fire efforts. 

Firefighter strike teams have also been transported from Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart to Port Macquarie. 

More than 400 NSW schools were closed on Tuesday, including about 300 public schools and more than 100 Catholic and independent schools. More than 50 did not operate on Monday. About 20 TAFE campuses will also close.   

‘Safety remains the number one priority. If it is not safe to travel to school please do not attend and inform the school of your intention,’ NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell warned.  

Doctors and paramedics have already treated more than 100 people for fire-related injuries, including 20 firefighters, Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan said. 

But fire bosses have warned ‘no area is entirely safe’ as high winds could send dangerous embers capable of sparking secondary fires towards beachside suburbs such as Manly and even Sydney’s CBD.

Ben Shepheard of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service warned that ‘everywhere in Sydney’, as well as surrounding areas, may be affected. 

‘The high winds we are expecting on Tuesday mean that embers travel large distances. For example, if there is a fire in Garigal National Park then embers may fall in and around Manly,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.    

Sydney braces for fire: How NSW’s government agencies are preparing for the worst

NSW Police have released important public information regarding bush fires as the state braces for ‘catastrophic’ conditions tomorrow

DEFENCE AID:

Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell has issued an order to local base commanders to make clear they can use defence resources in the fire effort.   

RAAF aircraft have transported firefighter strike teams from Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart to Port Macquarie.

Singleton Army Barracks in NSW is on stand-by to provide accommodation and catering support to firefighters from the Victorian Country Fire Authority.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service are using Kokoda Barracks in Canungra to refuel aircraft.

Defence has embedded planners into Queensland State Disaster Coordination Centres and New South Wales Rural Fire Service headquarters.

SCHOOLS: 

More than 400 schools across the state will be shut, including about 300 public schools and more than 100 Catholic and independent schools.

About 20 TAFE campuses will also close.

‘Safety remains the number one priority. If is not safe to travel to school please do not attend and inform the school of your intention,’ Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said. 

A list of the affect schools can be found on NSW Department of Education’s website, which will be updated throughout the day.    

AREAS AT RISK:   

RFS has issued a catastrophic fire danger rating for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven areas.

Catastrophic is the highest level of bush fire dangers and homes are not designed to withstand a fire in these conditions. 

While there are large population centres under catastrophic conditions, there are also large areas of Severe and Extreme fire danger.

This includes areas where we already have dangerous fires burning – and these conditions will be worse than those experienced last week.

A Total Fire Ban is in place for the whole of the state.

WARNINGS:  

RFS is urging residents to stay up to date on fires in their area by downloading the ‘Fires Near Me’ app: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me.

Residents are advised to evacuate as soon as they sense danger as some fires could start and spread quickly with little warning, and emergency services are not guaranteed to arrive in time.   

What to do:

  • Start taking action now to reduce your risk.
  • Avoid bush fire prone areas. If your home is in a bush fire prone area, the safest option is to not be there.
  • Do not travel through bushland areas.
  • A safer location may be a large town or city, shopping centres or facilities well away from bushland. It may also be a designated ‘Neighbourhood Safer Place’.
  • A Neighbourhood Safer Place is designed as a Place of Last Resort in bush fire emergencies only. Please note that travelling to or sheltering at a Neighbourhood Safer Place does not guarantee your safety. 
  • People with special needs, such as the elderly and people with a disability, should always leave before the threat of bush fire.
  • If you’re preparing to leave, make sure you pack your medications, including those in the fridge. Smoke can cause health problems, particularly for people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions like asthma, emphysema, angina or heart failure. 
  • Avoid outdoor physical activity if it’s smoky, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition like asthma. People with asthma should follow their asthma management plans. If you have asthma, make sure you keep your reliever medication close to hand. 
  • If it is unsafe to leave the area or stay and defend your property, and the path is clear, you should move to your pre-identified Neighbourhood Safer Place, or other safer location, prior to the impact of a bush fire.
  • Be aware that when you are travelling to your Neighbourhood Safer Place there may be heavy smoke and poor visibility.
  • It is important that you are familiar with the area. Gather at the Neighbourhood Safer Place location and remain there until the bush fire threat has passed.
  • The conditions at the Neighbourhood Safer Place may be uncomfortable and you may be affected by heat, smoke and embers.
  • Water, toilets and food may not be available at the Neighbourhood Safer Place and emergency service personnel may not be present.
  • Neighbourhood Safer Places are not intended for pets and livestock. 
  • For more information about the fires, contact the Bush Fire Information Line – 1800 679 737

Bureau of Meteorology (BoM):

A strong cold front will move through NSW on Tuesday, with hot, dry and gusty conditions ahead of the front generating very dangerous fire conditions over the ranges, slopes and coast.

All people in bush fire prone areas in NSW need to have a bush fire plan, remain vigilant, and monitor warnings and messages from the RFS.

Damaging wind gusts are also possible over parts of the southern ranges, Illawarra, Sydney coastal fringe and Hunter Coastal Fringe on Tuesday. Areas of raised dust are also forecast west of the Great Dividing Range, and there is a change that this system will bring dust to some coastal districts.

EVACUATION CENTRES:

Evacuation Centres are in place throughout fire-affected areas of the state. The most up-to-date information is available at https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/Pages/for-the-community/disaster-assistance/disaster-assistance.aspx

The NSW Police Force keep their Facebook page up to date with evacuation centres that re open. Please monitor https://www.facebook.com/nswpoliceforce/ 

TRANSPORT:

Motorists should delay all non-essential travel.

Many roads remain closed due to bush fires. Be prepared for conditions to change quickly and roads to close suddenly.

If you need to travel, also make sure you’ve got water, food, supplies and a full tank of fuel. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before you set out.

If you’re already travelling when a bush fire starts, follow the directions of emergency services personnel.

Due to fire activity, both man and local roads may close without warning. For the latest information on road closures, check www.livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.

All North Coast Train Services, from Sydney to Casino and Sydney to Grafton and their return trips have been cancelled until Wednesday due to the bush fires. Passengers are advised to delay any non-essential travel to the bush fire-affected areas.

For the latest information on public transport, check transportnsw.info or download a transport app or call 131 500. 

NSW AMBULANCE

NSW Ambulance recommends if anyone sustains any form of burn they should cool the affected area immediately with water – ideally running water – for a minimum of 20 minutes (for eyes ensure you flush the eye) and seek medical attention. 

NSW Ambulance is always here to help – never be afraid to call Triple Zero. 

AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL SERVICES:

Include your animals in your bush fire plan.

If you can, take your animals with you. Assistance from AASFA is available if you attend an evacuation centre.

For those impacted and seeking assistance for emergency fodder, emergency water (for immediate animal welfare cases only) or animal assessment (resulting from the fires) please contact the AASFA Hotline on 1800 814 647.

NSW ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY (EPA): 

Large volumes of waste have been generated from the bush fires and the EPA will work with local authorities to ensure the waste can be appropriately moved and disposed of when it is safe to do so.

The EPA is also monitoring impacts on its licensed premises and providing advice to licensees about how to manage their sites given the challenging conditions.

The community can report environmental concerns to the Environment Line 24/7 on 131 555.

RECOVERY: 

The State Emergency Recovery Controller has indicated a State Recovery Committee will be established to coordinate the significant recovery effort resulting from this event. The EPA will play a key role on the state level and related regional level committees which are likely to be active for the remainder of the bush fire season.

UTILITIES:  

Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.

Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.   

Meanwhile, police have warned about criminals looting from the ruined houses of devastated bushfire victims in the mid-north coast of NSW.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said any thefts would be ‘thoroughly’ investigated, adding: ‘These communities have suffered enough without individuals stealing what items they have left.’  

Mr Fitzsimmons said the RFS had taken all necessary preparations, but were still left to hope for the best. 

‘We plan for these sorts of days but we always hope they never come,’ he said on Tuesday morning.

‘We are planned, we are escalated to a heightened level of stand-by and readiness in anticipation of anything that might break out today.

‘All that can be done is being done. All that needs to be done today will be done. We need everybody to do their part.’ 

Amid the dangerous conditions, the Rural Fire Service urged residents to report anyone tossing a lit cigarette, which carries a $1,320 fine on total fire ban days such as today.

Burning: The moon at over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Monday morning appears orange amid smoke from bushfires

Burning: The moon at over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Monday morning appears orange amid smoke from bushfires

Devastation: A home destroyed by bushfire in Koorainghat, south of Taree in New South Wales on Monday

Devastation: A home destroyed by bushfire in Koorainghat, south of Taree in New South Wales on Monday

Escaped with their lives: Lyn and Peter Iverson with their burnt out office and shed on their property at Half Chain road, Koorainghat in New South Wales on Monday

Escaped with their lives: Lyn and Peter Iverson with their burnt out office and shed on their property at Half Chain road, Koorainghat in New South Wales on Monday

On Monday the Rural Fire Service warned residents in dangerous areas to escape while there was still time.

‘Some fires may start and spread so quickly there is little time for a warning, so do not wait and see,’ a statement read.

‘There are simply not enough fire trucks for every house. If you call for help, you may not get it. Do not expect a firetruck. Do not expect a knock on the door. Do not expect a phone call. Your safest option will always be to leave early.’   

 Mr Fitzsimmons urged people living in areas facing the worst threat – including the North Shore, the Hawkesbury region, Penrith, Campbelltown and Sutherland – to leave now. 

Taken too soon: The victims of the killer bushfires 

Lost to fire: Vivian Chaplain, 69, a grandmother of six

Lost to fire: Vivian Chaplain, 69, a grandmother of six

Julie Fletcher, 63: The dairy cattle farmer’s body was found in the burnt out remains of her Johns River home near Taree on Saturday afternoon.

She had her car packed with possessions, ready to evacuate but didn’t make it out in time. 

Vivian Chaplain, 69: The Grandmother of six also died while trying to save her Wytaliba property more than 400 kilometres away near Glen Innes.

George Nole, age unknown: His body was found in a burnt-out car in Wytaliba on Saturday morning. 

Sydney nursing homes and aged care centres are also preparing for the worst and have been reviewing evacuation plans.  

In Sydney’s Northern Beaches, police issued a statement on social media on Monday warning residents that tomorrow ‘will not be a normal day.’ 

‘We’re hoping for the best but planning for the worst. The best is no fires,’ they said in a Facebook post. ‘The worst is a 1 in 100 year event.’ 

Fire chiefs warned that conditions could be so bad that it will be too dangerous for firefighters to try to put out the flames. 

Some 400 firefighters are flying in from interstate and 50 firetrucks are driving up from Victoria to be stationed in the Hunter region, north of Sydney. 

The fires are producing so much smoke that Brisbane’s air quality is three times worse than Beijing’s – as the smog blows as far east as New Zealand and Vanuatu.  

Over the weekend a man and two women in their sixties died in northern New South Wales as they attempted to flee too late – and more than 100 people, including 20 firefighters, have been injured.

Apocalyptic footage showed the sky over Port Macquarie turn a vibrant orange due to the flames and smoke on Sunday night.

Millions of dollars worth of damage has been caused as insurance companies send specialist disaster teams into fire-ravaged areas, with 150 claims lodged by 11am on Monday, according to the Insurance Council.

Climate change campaigners are blaming the disaster on global warming – but Scott Morrison on Sunday refused to comment on whether climate change is a factor.

‘My only thoughts today are with those who have lost their lives and their families,’ he said after he was heckled by a protester in Taree where he was visiting victims.

Ms Berejiklian mimicked his stance on Monday, saying: ‘I thought it was inappropriate that people were trying to talk about climate change yesterday when people wanted to stay alive.’

Keeping watch: Firefighters keep a close eye on a bushfire approaching in Old Bar, New South Wales as they battle to control the blazes

Keeping watch: Firefighters keep a close eye on a bushfire approaching in Old Bar, New South Wales as they battle to control the blazes

Smoldering: Fire burns on Bolivia Hill near Glen Innes on Sunday. Firefighters are struggling to contain blazes across the east

Smoldering: Fire burns on Bolivia Hill near Glen Innes on Sunday. Firefighters are struggling to contain blazes across the east

Fires take their toll: More than 100 are hurt by infernos 

Doctors and paramedics on the ground have treated more than 100 people hurt during NSW’s devastating bushfires, 20 of them firefighters injured trying to protect communities. 

NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan is considering bringing in extra resources from interstate.

‘Over the last few days our doctors and paramedics have been exceedingly busy; they’ve treated over 100 patients for fire-related activity,’ he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

‘We had a whole range of things that have been confirmed from very severe burns, sadly resulting in a loss of life in some instances, right down to minor injuries and minor burns.’

Mr Morgan paid tribute to the firefighters his teams had treated who were injured in the line of duty.

‘That’s something that we should all be recognising,’ he said.

‘Up to 20 (of the people treated) have been directly related to firefighters being injured while protecting their own communities.’

Mr Morgan said 30 additional ambulance crews would be deployed across the state to ensure additional protection as well as extra air assets.

Residents across Sydney and NSW are facing 'catastrophic' conditions on Tuesday as rising temperatures are expected to aggravate bushfires. Pictured: Firefighters tackle wildfires in Taree, 350km north of Sydney on Saturday

Residents across Sydney and NSW are facing ‘catastrophic’ conditions on Tuesday as rising temperatures are expected to aggravate bushfires. Pictured: Firefighters tackle wildfires in Taree, 350km north of Sydney on Saturday 

 



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