THE Tomago grass fire is now under control. Fire crews battled the blaze for several days under tough conditions as damaging wind ripped through the region.
Stay up-to-date with alerts, road closures and what is happening on the fire ground here: Please note the live blog has now closed.
EARLIER: Workers evacuated
A number of workers were evacuated from the Newcastle Gas Storage Facility (NGSF) at Tomago in response to a grass fire near the AGL Energy site.
Emergency services (both Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW) are tending to the blaze on Old Punt Road, Tomago which has burnt through nine hectares since it broke out shortly after 11am on Monday.
An AGL spokesperson told the Newcastle Herald the site's emergency response plan has been activated with non-essential people evacuated.
"The site has recently conducted clearing activities ahead of the start of the fire season. We are watching and listening to the advice of the emergency services," the spokesperson said.
At 2pm the fire was upgraded to Watch and Act level on the Fires Near Me App.
Tomogo Road is closed between the intersection of Cabbage Tree Road and Masonite Road to the Old Punt Road roundabout.
The fire is burning in the vicinity of Old Punt Road and the industrial area around Enterprise Drive and Westrac Drive, in an easterly direction towards Tomago Road.
The blaze is not yet under control and people within the area should prepare to act now.
Earlier an RFS spokesperson told the Herald there was no current threat to surrounding areas and the blaze was under a north-westerly influence, burning in a south-east direction.
"Crews are on scene, residents are reminded to check the Fires Near Me App and have their bush fire survival plans on standby," the spokesperson said.
The NGSF holds up to 30,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas.
Climate change campaigner Bronwyn McDonald could see the smoke looming from her back deck in Mayfield.
"The fire looks mighty close from where I can see it," she said.
Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Hazards Near Me, the RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
What you need to do
- Fire may impact on your property. Make your final preparations now.
- Fill buckets, sinks and bath tubs with water ready to put out spot fires
- Block downpipes and fill your gutters with water to help stop burning embers. Do not get on the roof.
- Remove items which can burn from around your home, such as furniture and door mats.
- If you have firefighting equipment, get it ready now.
- Put on protective clothing made of natural fibres that covers all of your skin. Wear sturdy shoes. Have plenty of drinking water available.
- If you are not prepared, your safest option is to leave early.
If you are threatened by fire
- If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure such as a house to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
- Bring pets indoors and restrain them, close all doors and windows and turn off air conditioners, keep water running if possible.
- Shelter in a room on the other side of the building from the approaching fire, and one that has water and a clear exit out of the house.
- Monitor both inside and outside for small fires and burning embers and turn sprinklers on if you have them.
- Be careful outdoors after the fire has passed as trees can be unstable and fall.
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
Damaging winds continue across Hunter
Damaging winds continue across the Hunter Region, with gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour expected today.
A strong westerly flow over southeast Australia will peak over NSW and ACT as an embedded low moves through Bass Strait early this morning and an associated cold front crosses southern parts of NSW during the morning.
Hunter residents can expect damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 kilometres per hour with peak gusts of around 100 kilometres per hour possible although are limited to elevations above 500 metres. The peak of the risk is from mid-morning through till mid afternoon, or with shower activity in the south.
The risk of damaging winds is expected to become confined to higher elevations in the south by the evening and ease below warning thresholds in the late evening.
