'Too late to leave': Emergency warning for bushfire
An emergency warning has been issued for a bushfire on the NSW North Coast, just as firefighters rein in an out-of-control blaze in the Hunter region.
The fire at Ellangowan, south-west of Ballina, broke containment lines and jumped a creek about 4.30pm on Sunday, the Rural Fire Service said.
The blaze is burning toward isolated rural properties and emergency warnings have been sent to residents telling them it is too late to leave.
They have been advised to seek shelter as the fire, which has covered 2000 hectare, bears down.
The warning comes just as firefighters start to contain a bushfire at Salt Ash, just north of Newcastle, during which residents were told it was too late to leave as strong westerly winds of up to 60km/h fanned blazes.
The Rural Fire Service said easing conditions on the fire ground had reduced the threat to homes, but warned residents in the area to continue to monitor the situation should it change.
Emergency alerts were sent to residents around Rookes Road, Lemon Tree Passage Road and Brownes Road in Salt Ash just after midday on Sunday as strong winds caused the blaze to intensify.
"It is too late to leave," the NSW RFS said. "Take shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
"Strong westerly winds are impacting the fire ground and increasing fire activity."
Residents in Tilligerry, Tanilba Bay, Mallabula and Lemon Tree Passage were advised to monitor the situation closely and remain vigilant.
The fire had burnt more than 1923 hectares.
It's believed a caravan may have been destroyed but crews are yet to confirm, RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said.
The Salt Ash fire started on Saturday, hitting the communities of Tanilba Bay, Mallabula and Lemon Tree Passage on Saturday night.
As weather conditions eased late on Saturday and into Sunday, the fire was downgraded from emergency to "advice", the lowest level of bushfire alert. Firefighters continued backburning operations overnight.
More than 80 grass and bushfires continue to burn across the state, dozens of which remain uncontained.
Winds of up to 60km/h are forecast throughout NSW and fire crews are on high alert.
The NSW Transport Management Centre advised on Sunday afternoon that the Gwydir Highway had been closed in both directions between Glen Innes and Jackadgery due to a bushfire.
It urged motorists to stay away and avoid the closure, and consider using either Bruxner Highway or Waterfall Way as an alternative.
Emergency services and traffic control crews had also blocked the New England Highway in both directions in Bendemeer, north of Tamworth.
Motorists were urged not to travel on the New England Highway via this location.
Due to the nature of the fire, there was no forecast as to when the highway would reopen, it said.
Further information will be made available as it comes to hand.
"While it is a little bit cooler, those strong winds are going to keep fanning those fires," Mr Rogers told the Seven Network on Sunday.
"We're looking at those winds extending into around Wednesday."
Nearly 20 buildings, mostly outbuildings, have been destroyed by fires since late last week.
On Friday, helicopter pilot Allan Tull died while water-bombing a fire west of Ulladulla, on the NSW South Coast.
It's believed the 1994 Kawasaki helicopter's water bucket became stuck in trees, pulling the chopper down.
Newcastle Herald with AAP