HIGH FIRE DANGER WARNING FOR NORTHERN NSW
By Sarah Waters
Hot, dry and windy conditions have fuelled the bushfire season with more than 50 fires currently burning across the state.
Six bushfires continue to burn in the Northern Rivers and high fire danger is forecast for several areas in the state’s north this week.
Firefighters are still battling the blaze which has swept through Tyagarah Nature Reserve and burnt through more than 700 hectares of bush.
The fire started at Bayshore Drive in Byron Bay on October 14.
The blaze has burnt through more than 700 hectares of Tyagarah Nature Reserve
Strong southerly winds pushed the fire north through Tyagarah towards Brunswick Heads.
Multiple trucks and waterbombing aircraft were used to strengthen containment lines and protect properties in Brunswick Heads with many residents sharing photos of thick smoke billowing across their houses.
By the time this story went to print, the RFS alert level had been downgraded to Advice and the fire was under control.
A number of residents in Byron Bay believe the fire was started by a person who was camping, but a spokesperson for the RFS did not confirm this and said the cause was being investigated.
The RFS said it was important that residents are prepared for the threat of a fire and stay up-to-date with the changing conditions – visit the Hazards Near Me app and the RFS website.
Fire crews battled unfavourable weather conditions to create containment lines and control the blaze at Tyagarah Nature Reserve
Meanwhile, Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon extended his thanks to the firefighters and all the people who worked on the fire.
“These men and women, who are mostly volunteers, do such a magnificent and dangerous job and I really want to recognise their efforts,” Mr Lyon said.
“It’s been an incredibly stressful and tense time for people living near the fire front, and the strong winds in recent days have made things very unpredictable.
“Unfortunately, this is a glimpse of what our summer could look like and it’s a warning to everyone to be prepared and to have a plan in the event of a fire,” he said.
Information on Northern Rivers bushfires and how to prepare can be accessed via Byron Shire Council’s online Emergency Dashboard.
For more local Byron Bay news, click here.