Source: NSW Rural Fire Service

EMERGENCY WARNING: OLD PUNT RD, TOMAGO, Port Stephens LGA - Shelter Now - Westrac Drive and Tomago Road

A bush fire is burning in the vicinity of Old Punt Road approximately 3km south of Heatherbrae. The fire is burning in an easterly direction towards the Tomago Road. The fire has burnt through 9 hectares and is yet to be controlled. People in the vicinity of Tomago Road and Westrac Drive are advised to seek shelter now or as the fire approaches to protect yourself from the fire. It is too late to leave.

Current Situation: The fire is burning in an easterly direction under westerly from Old Punt Road towards Tomago Road.

People along Tomago Road and Westrac Drive are advised to shelter now.

The fire has spotted within 100m of Tomago Road and is expected to impact on homes in the Tomago Rd, Westrac Drive area within the hour.

Embers will be blown long distances ahead of the main fire front starting spot fires, these may impact your home earlier than the main fire front.

Tomago Road has been closed at the intersection of Cabbage Tree Road and Masonite Road and the Old Punt Road roundabout.

What you need to do:

If you are in the area of Tomago Road and Westrac Drive, your life is at risk. It is too late to leave.

Seek shelter now or as the fire approaches, in a solid structure such as a house. Do not be caught in the open in the path of the fire.

Go inside and protect yourself from the fire front. Actively monitor the situation.

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.

If you planned to visit the area or live in the area but are away from home, do not 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).

Other Information

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.

If you have a respiratory condition and may be affected by smoke, activate your health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.

For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.

Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.

For information on temporary school closures in your area, check School Operational Status.

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