RFS WARNING:RUTTLEYS ROAD FIRE STILL OUT OF CONTROL:

Emergency Warning – Ruttleys Road Fire (Wyong) 18/10/13 07:00
Posted: 18/10/2013

The Ruttleys Road Fire is burning in the area of Doyalson North, Swansea, Cams Wharf, Murrays Beach, Cave Beach and Catherine Hill Bay areas.

Current Situation

The fire is not contained.

Crews are backburning where possible in an effort to contain the fire.

The fire has crossed Nords Wharf Road and is south of Cams Wharf Road.

There are believed to be a number of homes and structures destroyed in this fire, including in the Caterine Hill Bay area.

Firefighters are conducting backburning operations where possible. During these operations, people in the area will see an increase in fire and smoke. Only call Triple Zero if you see a fire without a fire truck in attendance.

The Pacific Highway is closed from Swansea to Lake Munmorah.

The fire is threatening the properties in the following areas:
•Pacific Highway and Tall Timbers Road, Doyalson North
•Carters Road and Chain Valley Bay Road, Lake Munmorah
•Kanangra Drive, Gwandalan
•Clarke Street and Montefoire Street, Catherine Hill Bay
•Awakbakal Drive and Government Road, Nords Wharf

Advice

An Emergency Alert telephone warning message has been sent to homes in the Nords Wharf area. If you are in the Nords Wharf area, seek shelter if the fire impacts on your property. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.

Doyalson RSL at Doyalson North and Swansea RSL and Swansea Workers Club at Swansea have been set up as evacuation centres.

Take advice from firefighters on the ground.

Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, ensure you know what you will do if the fire threatens your property.

School Closures

The following schools are expected to be closed today:
• Nords Wharf Public School
• Gwandalan Public school
• Lake Munmorah Public school
• Lake Munmorah High School
• St Brendan’s Catholic School

Other information
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
• If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
• For information on road closures, check http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.

The next update on this fire will be issued by 9am or if the situation changes.