Authorities Order Mass Evacuations as Intense Bushfires Ravage New South Wales Central Coast
More than 50 fires burn across NSW under 42 °C heatwave — thousands urged to flee as homes destroyed and rail links cut
Fierce bushfires sweeping through New South Wales have forced authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders for thousands of residents on the Central Coast and beyond, as a record heatwave fuels flames that have already destroyed dozens of homes.
On Saturday morning, fire services raised the region’s alert to the highest danger level and urged all residents in threatened areas to ‘leave immediately’ as fires spread near Phegans Bay, Woy Woy and surrounding communities.
More than 50 fires are now active statewide, including a large blaze in the Upper Hunter region that has consumed nearly 10,000 hectares.
In Koolewong, a fast-moving fire leapt over Woy Woy Bay and across residential streets, destroying at least 12 homes — with additional losses along the Mid North Coast near Bulahdelah.
Railway services between Gosford and Hornsby were suspended after the flames reached trackside, adding transport disruption to a rapidly worsening emergency.
The blaze is being driven by a severe heatwave, with temperatures in the Sydney area and Central Coast climbing to 42 °C (108 °F).
That extreme heat, combined with dry fuel and gusty winds, has created catastrophic bushfire conditions in much of eastern Australia.
More than 250 firefighters, supported by 50 trucks and nine aircraft, have been deployed to combat the infernos.
Evacuation centres have been established in safer zones such as Gosford to shelter displaced residents.
Authorities warn lightning, dry thunderstorms and a forecast wind change overnight could spark new fires or reignite existing ones, making the situation dangerously unstable.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on the public to follow all safety instructions and extended support to affected communities.
The scale of the fires and level of destruction—from destroyed homes to shuttered rail lines—underscore how quickly and violently bushfires can erupt under extreme weather conditions.
As the emergency unfolds, residents face not only immediate danger but also uncertainty over when they might safely return home.
Fire services say the coming 48 hours will be critical.
The lives, property and livelihoods of thousands remain at risk, as crews race against time to contain what may become one of the worst summer fire seasons in recent memory for New South Wales.
On Saturday morning, fire services raised the region’s alert to the highest danger level and urged all residents in threatened areas to ‘leave immediately’ as fires spread near Phegans Bay, Woy Woy and surrounding communities.
More than 50 fires are now active statewide, including a large blaze in the Upper Hunter region that has consumed nearly 10,000 hectares.
In Koolewong, a fast-moving fire leapt over Woy Woy Bay and across residential streets, destroying at least 12 homes — with additional losses along the Mid North Coast near Bulahdelah.
Railway services between Gosford and Hornsby were suspended after the flames reached trackside, adding transport disruption to a rapidly worsening emergency.
The blaze is being driven by a severe heatwave, with temperatures in the Sydney area and Central Coast climbing to 42 °C (108 °F).
That extreme heat, combined with dry fuel and gusty winds, has created catastrophic bushfire conditions in much of eastern Australia.
More than 250 firefighters, supported by 50 trucks and nine aircraft, have been deployed to combat the infernos.
Evacuation centres have been established in safer zones such as Gosford to shelter displaced residents.
Authorities warn lightning, dry thunderstorms and a forecast wind change overnight could spark new fires or reignite existing ones, making the situation dangerously unstable.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on the public to follow all safety instructions and extended support to affected communities.
The scale of the fires and level of destruction—from destroyed homes to shuttered rail lines—underscore how quickly and violently bushfires can erupt under extreme weather conditions.
As the emergency unfolds, residents face not only immediate danger but also uncertainty over when they might safely return home.
Fire services say the coming 48 hours will be critical.
The lives, property and livelihoods of thousands remain at risk, as crews race against time to contain what may become one of the worst summer fire seasons in recent memory for New South Wales.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
