Four homes lost in NSW bushfire after millions warned of intense heatwave

Four homes have been lost in a fire that is burning through thick bush on the NSW Mid Coast.

A NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman said they had received reports homes had been destroyed in the fire, but crews still had to go in and inspect the damage.

The fire has burnt through 1400 hectares and was being fuelled by erratic winds blowing in two different directions.

Firefighters have been battling the blaze burning on both sides of the Pacific Highway.

The fire alert was downgraded to a watch and act as conditions eased on Friday afternoon, but residents in Crawford River, about 250km north of Sydney, were told not to return home and monitor conditions.

NSW Rural Fire Service District Manager Ugo Tolone told Nine News it was “pretty bad.”

“We are concerned with this fire at the moment, and we are doing everything we can to make the footprint as small as possible,” he said.

Nerong residents were advised leaving early was the safest option or to take shelter if they were threatened by fire ahead of north-westerly winds forecast on Saturday.

One lane in both directions has been reopened on the MI Pacific Highway but motorists have been warned it could be closed again on Saturday as north westerly winds hit.

“Roads may be closed without warning,” authorities said.

From earlier

Aussies have been cautioned to stay cool as a major heatwave grips the nation, leaving residents in Sydney sweltering as the mercury climbs closer to 40C.

Scorching conditions remain fixed in the central and northeast regions of the country, creating a serious risk for fire danger across Western Australia, New South Wales and parts of Queensland.

A severe heatwave warning is in place for Gulf Country in Queensland, with temperatures forecast to reach the low forties over the weekend before cooling again next week.

Aside from the heat, thunderstorms are anticipated across the east coast, and although they may produce a lot of gusty winds, it’s unlikely to bring any rainfall to offset the heat.

It’s a similar story in Western Australia, as intense heats tips to the high 30s over the weekend, impacting Fitzroy Crossing, Karratha, Kalumburu and Marble Bar.

“We’re seeing hot, dry, windy conditions and that is giving us elevated fire danger,” Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Christie Johnson said.

It will also be scorching hot in NSW, particularly along the south coast, where temperatures are forecast to reach the high 30s on Friday and into the weekend.

The heat is expected to settle over Newcastle, Wollongong, Batemans Bay, Camden, Campbelltown, Gosford, Nowra, Penrith and Richmond before the mercury dips back down on Sunday.

Sydney will be one of the places hit hardest, as the bureau forecasts temperatures to reach 36C in the city by Friday afternoon.

The city’s west is going to be even hotter, with conditions expected to exceed 40C on Friday and Saturday.

Further in the state’s west, temperatures will spike even higher, potentially reaching the mid-40s heading into the weekend.

Extreme fire danger warnings have been established for parts of southern NSW, including Sydney, the Eastern Riverina, Southern Riverina, Northern Riverina and Lower Central West Plains.

“Check your bush fire plan and ensure that your property is fire ready,” NSW Incident Alert said in a statement.

“If a fire starts, take immediate action.”

A bushfire is currently burning near the Pacific Highway south of Bulahdelah, with firefighters working to contain the flames as it spreads.

Residents have been warned of smoke drifting south to the Lower Hunter and Central Coast.

“Residents in these areas may see and smell smoke as result,” NSW Incident Alert said.

On Friday, residents in Brisbane can expect a sunny and slightly windy day, with temperatures forecast to reach a maximum of 29C.

It will be scorching in Sydney on Friday as sunny skies dominate and the mercury tips to a top of 35C.

Similar conditions can be anticipated in Canberra, with slightly cloudier skies and a top of 35C.

Melbourne residents can expect a partly cloudy day with a slight chance of a shower, and a maximum temperature of 25C.

Hobart will have slightly cloudy skies and light winds, reaching a top of 22C.

It will be hot and sunny in Adelaide, with a slight chance of showers and a maximum of 29C.

Conditions will be slightly cooler in Perth as smoke haze blankets the city in the morning, and a maximum temperature of 25C.

There is a high chance of showers in Darwin on Friday, with a possible storm and a top of 33C.