Russell Crowe’s sprawling mansion near Coffs Harbour was hit by bushfire last night as New South Wales endured ‘catastrophic’ fire conditions.
The Gladiator star tweeted at 3.50am AEDT to say that he was not in the country but his 400-hectare property in Nana Glen had been affected.
He added three pictures of the grounds around his home on fire, showing firefighters containing the blaze.
Crowe did not specify how badly his property was affected but no photos showed the house on fire. He did not say who took the photos.
Russel Crowe’s sprawling mansion (pictured) near Coffs Harbour was hit by bushfire last night as New South Wales endured ‘catastrophic’ fire conditions
The Gladiator star tweeted at 3.50am AEDT to say that he was not in the country but his 400-hectare property (pictured) in Nana Glen had been affected
Crowe added three pictures of the grounds (pictured) around his home on fire, showing firefighters containing the blaze
He wrote: ‘I’m not in Australia. My family are safe, billeted with friends. Fire hit my place late in the day yesterday. My heart goes out to everyone in the valley.’
Properties in the area were on Tuesday just metres from being engulfed before water-bombing helicopters were called in to douse the flames and bring the fire under control.
Emotional Nana Glen residents, some whose homes were damaged, 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?’
A fire truck is seen near a bushfire in Nana Glen on Tuesday afternoon as the fires continue to ravage the area
Sharnie Moren and her 18-month-old daughter Charlotte look on as thick smoke rises from bushfires near Nana Glen
Smoke from a large bushfire is seen outside Nana Glen, near Russell Crowe’s 400-hectare property
Locals watch as bushfires impact on farmland near the small town of Nana Glen, north of Sydney on Tuesday
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.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Russell Crowe for comment.
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 (pictured: fire crews in Nana Glen)
The Academy Award-winning actor owns a 400-hectare property (pictured) in Nana Glen – one of the emergency zones
Russell Crowe at Cannes Film Festival in 2016
As of 7pm on Tuesday, a major blaze continued to engulf bushland in Nana Glen along Ellems Quarry Road.
A number of large bush fires are currently burning in the nearby Coutts Crossing, Coramba, and Glenreagh areas.
Smoke can be seen covering the area from the Liberation Trial fire, with locals watching on as the sky glows orange.
Multiple fire crews have rushed to the area in an attempt to control the flames.
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.
‘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.
As of 7pm on Tuesday, a major blaze had continued to engulf bushland in Nana Glen along Ellems Quarry Road
Smoke can be seen covering the area from the Liberation Trial fire, with locals watching on as the sky glows orange
Firefighters are pictured in action at Turramurra on Sydney’s north shore where some houses were sprayed with special pink fire retardant (pictured)