School closures
Bellingen High School, and all other schools west of the Pacific Highway in the greater Coffs Harbour area, are closed today, Tuesday November 12. Re-opening on Wednesday is dependent on fire conditions.
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Relocation advice
The general advice from the fire control centre in Coffs Harbour is that people living in rural, rural residential, on the urban edge, or near bushland, and west of the Pacific Highway, should relocate to a safer location east of the Pacific Highway.
Some areas east of the highway do not provide safe refuge due to their proximity to bushland. Locations such as Arrawarra, Bundagen and Hungry Head are not safer places.
Fire prediction maps do not put the townships of Bellingen, Dorrigo or Urunga in the path of the fires but areas of Raleigh and Repton may potentially be impacted.
Liberation Trail fire
Tuesday 9.24am information from Fires Near Me
- There is a number of large bush fires burning in the Coutts Crossing, Coramba, Nana Glen and Glenreagh areas.
- Under forecast weather conditions on Tuesday, these fires will spread quickly towards the coast.
- The fire may impact on the areas of Woolgoolga, outskirts of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and surrounding areas.
- A map of predicted fire paths is available here.
What you need to do
- If you are threatened by fire, you may not get assistance.
- If you are in these areas and your plan is to leave, or your property is not prepared, leave towards a safer location.
- Safer locations include built up areas of Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and Grafton.
- If you are unable to leave, identify a safer location which may be nearby. This may include a cleared area well away from bushland, or an identified Neighbourhood Safer Place www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/nsp
- Avoid bushland areas.
- A southerly change is forecast early on Wednesday morning. This may push the fire in a northerly direction.
If you are threatened by fire
- Do not be in the path of the fire.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. Wear protective clothing and footwear. Cover all exposed skin.
- If the fire impacts, seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
- If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero.
Other Information
- Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
- For information on road closures, check www.livetraffic.com. Roads may be closed without warning.
The next update on this fire will be issued by 12/11/2019 11:30 or if the situation changes.
RFS newsletter for Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Local Government Areas
Monday 11 November at 3pm
Tuesday will be a dangerous day. Coffs Harbour & Bellingen Local Government Areas are forecast to have EXTREME Fire Danger on Tuesday 12th November.
There is significant fire activity to the north and west of Coffs Harbour on the eastern Dorrigo Plateau and in the Orara Valley. The fire, known as the Liberation Trail fire, is currently more than 135,000 hectares in size, and is out of control.
Fire in these conditions will travel in a southerly to easterly direction under the influence of strong winds. Smoke and embers will impact areas well ahead of the fires. Spot fires can occur over 5km ahead of the main fire under these conditions. The fire is predicted to spread to Coffs Harbour and the northern beaches.
Under these conditions lives and homes will be at risk. Homes will be undefendable and resources will be stretched. A fire truck may not be able to respond to your 000 call. You need to start taking action NOW.
Advice
- If you live in rural, rural residential, on the urban edge, or near bushland, and west of the Pacific Highway, you should relocate to a safer location east of the Pacific Highway.
- Residents in the areas of Nana Glen, Lowanna, Ulong, Megan/Cascade, Coramba, Orara, Karangi, Bucca, Friday Creek, west Moonee, west Woolgoolga, Korora Basin (including all outlying areas) should self-relocate to a major urban area (Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, Bellingen, Urunga, Dorrigo).
- Some areas east of the highway do not provide safe refuge due to their proximity to bushland. Locations such as Arrawarra, Bundagen and Hungry Head are not safer places.
- There is a high risk that the fires could impact on urban areas across both Coffs and Bellingen local government areas. Residents in urban areas including the northern beaches away from bushland are anticipated to experience smoke, embers, and possibly urban fires.
- If you don't leave early, you may be advised that it is too late to leave.
- If the fire impacts on your property, seek shelter to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
- Leave early. It is the only safe option. Plan to leave on Monday night.
Information
- Updates on this fire are also available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling call 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
- Find out the latest Fire Danger Rating in your area at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
- For information on road conditions or closures, please call the NSW RTA on 131 700 or check www.rta.nsw.gov.au. Remember roads may be closed without warning.
- For information on closures of National Parks associated with this fire, please visit www.npws.nsw.gov.au.
- There are a number of options to voluntarily relocate to, including friends and relatives, shopping centres and clubs.
- If you need to report a new fire or require urgent assistance, dial Triple Zero (000).
