For the latest fire advice as the situation evolves overnight click here.
Update
AN evacuation centre has opened at Wallsend Diggers for residents who have been affected by a blaze at West Wallsend following a truck fire on the M1 Pacific Motorway on Thursday.
NSW RFS advice shows the fire at a Advice level at 11.55pm, while it continues to burn between the Pacific Motorway and West Wallsend along O'Donnelltown Rd, West Wallsend.
The fire is burning in a northerly direction towards Cemetery Road and in a southerly direction towards Fairley Road.
Firefighters remain on the scene and are continuing to undertake back burning operations in an effort to control the 42 hectare blaze.
If you are in West Wallsend monitor conditions and stay alert if the situation changes.
Several lanes on the Pacific Highway remain closed.
Earlier
AN emergency bushfire warning has been issued for West Wallsend following a truck fire on the M1 Pacific Motorway earlier on Thursday.
"The message to residents is leave if not prepared towards Cameron Park," a NSW RFS spokesperson said.
At 6.50pm on December 14, the bushfire remains out of control burning between the Pacific Motorway and Boundary Road, Wallsend along O'Donnelltown Road.
The blaze is burning in a northerly direction towards Cemetery Road and in a Southerly direction towards Fairley Road.
Residents are advised to leave if they are not prepared and only if the path is clear.
There are 20 RFS trucks on scene with over 50 firefighters and aircraft attempting to battle the blaze. Smoke in the area may affect visibility.
The fire is impacting on Boundary Road and may impact properties in the West Wallsend area.
Embers may be blown ahead of the main fire front. These may start spot fires which may threaten your home earlier than the main fire front.
One West Wallsend resident said she had never been evacuated in 13 years living in the suburb.
Police were driving through the streets urging residents to flee, with landholders shifting horses on foot as the smoke descended.
The NSW RFS issued the warning just before 5.30pm after a bushfire sparked as a result of the alight vehicle which closed the Pacific Motorway in both directions, causing significant delays between Newcastle Link Road and Palmers Road.
The motorway remains closed in a southbound direction with one of two northbound lanes closed.
There is heavy traffic on the Hunter Expressway, Freemans Drive, Wakefield Road and along the diversion route.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution and expect significant delays.
Southbound diversions atNewcastle Link Rd, Cameron Park Dr, George Booth Dr, Main Rd, Frederick St, TC Firth Ave, Five Islands Rd, Cary St, Palmers Rd to rejoin M1 Pacific Motorway, this is suitable for all vehicles.
What you need to do
- If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave now towards Cameron Park.
- A safer location may include a well cleared area nearby. Neighbourhood safer places offer a place of last resort if there are no other options.
- Wear protective clothing and footwear.
- If you planned to visit the area, or live in the area but are away from home, it is not safe to return.
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).
