Residents wait for the worst news as bushfire emergency unfolds in Hunter
Residents near a fast-moving bushfire burning at Port Stephens, north of Newcastle, have been warned it's too late to leave, with some taking shelter in a blacked-out supermarket as the fire approached their properties.
The NSW Rural Fire Service had warned the out-of-control fire, propelled east by 55km/h winds with gusts up to 85km/h, could reach properties by 5pm.
Burning since about 1.30pm north of Newcastle Airport, the fire is about 94 hectares in size.
The blaze was moving quickly along Richardson Road in Campvale towards Salt Ash, with people there advised to seek shelter immediately, NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Ben Shepherd said on Thursday afternoon.
"We are seeing quite erratic fire behaviour ... and there are spot fires developing well ahead of that fire front," he said.
Kevin Wedlock is one of several people taking refuge in a blacked-out Foodworks, alongside two dogs and a shop full of food at risk of spoilage.
He told the Newcastle Herald "we don’t even know if we have a house to go back to. It's horrible."
An evacuation centre has been established for affected residents at Irrawang High School in Raymond Terrace.
The RFS said firefighters and aircraft are working to protect homes and slow the spread of the fire, with large air tankers being used.
The RFS tweeted on Thursday that a 737 aircraft is being used – the first time this kind of plane has been used to fight a fire anywhere in the world.
Homes and properties in the area of Salt Ash Avenue, Hideaway Drive, Shady Avenue, Nelson Bay Road, Lemon Tree Passage Road, Janet Parade and Marsh Road are at risk of being impacted by the fire.
"If you are in the area of Salt Ash, it is too late to leave," the NSW RFS said.
"Seek shelter as the fire front arrives and protect yourself from the heat of the fire. If you are not in the area, it may not be safe to return."
Richardson Road, Medowie Road and Nelson Bay Road were closed, although the latter has since reopened.
An RFS spokesman said there have been no reports of property damage or injuries so far.
A total fire ban remains in place for the Hunter, with strong winds forecast into Friday.
with AAP
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