The Rural Fire Service has advised that properties are under threat along Chain Valley Road.
The following is an RFS warning.
The fire is impacting properties in Chain Valley Bay. It may soon impact properties in Gwandalan and Summerland Point. There are multiple spot fires along Finlay Avenue and Chain Valley Bay Road.
People in this area should take shelter as the fire impacts. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Community Meetings
• For residents of Gwandalan and Summerland Point a Community Meeting will be held at the Gwandalan Bowling Club, Gamban Road 4:00pm TODAY.
• For residents of Cave Beach, Murrays Beach and the surrounding areas will be held at the Swansea Workers Club, 9 Rawson Street 6:00pm TODAY.
The fire is out of control and has burnt more than 2000 hectares. Firefighters are undertking back burning operations around Nords Wharf, Crangan Bay Road and Cams Wharf Road. Residents in the area can expect to see increased smoke and fire activity.
There are believed to be a number of homes and structures destroyed in this fire, including in the Catherine 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.
Advice
If you are in the area around Chain Valley Bay Road, seek shelter as the fire impacts. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Conditions may be changing.
Continue to monitor the situation and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan.
Evacuation Centres
Evacuation Centres have been established at:
• Swansea RSL, 5 Btridge Street, Swansea is OPEN.
• Doyalson RSL, Pacific HIghway, Doyalson is NOW CLOSED.
• Swansea Workers Club, 9 Rawson Street, Swansea is NOW CLOSED.
School Closures
The Department of Eduction has advised that all Public Schools in the areas between Nords Wharf and Lake Munmorah are closed. These include:
• Nords Wharf Public School
• Gwandalan Public School
• Lake Munmorah Public School
• Lake Munmorah High School
• St Brendan’s Catholic School
The following schools are OPEN:
• Belmont High School
• Hunter Sports High School
• Swansea High School
• Belmont Christian School
Road Closures
Due to bush fire activity there are numerous road closures. Please also be aware that road closures may occur without notice. These closures will continue to be assessed across the day, however, there is no forecast as to when these roads will reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid all bushfire affected areas.
• The Pacific Highway remains closed between Swansea and Lake Munmorah.
• Swansea Bridge is open in both directions so motorists can travel north/south across the lake.
• Richardson Road in Raymond Terrace between Benjamin Lee Drive and Medowie Road.
• Masonite Road between Pacific Highway and Cabbage Tree Road.
• Cabbage Tree Road between Masonite Road and Nelson Bay Road
• Tomago Road at Old Punt Road.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Public Transport Closures
As a result of the Pacific Highway closure bus passengers can use their tickets on NSW Trains between Wyong and Newcastle. Additionally Newcastle Buses tickets can be used on Busways services between Wyong and Doyalson and Busways tickets can be used on Newcastle Buses throughout the region. Buses will also not be operating to those schools listed as closed.
• Busways route 97 will continue to operate to Mannering Park and Wyee.
• Busways route 98 services have been cancelled.
• Busways route 99 between Lake Haven and Charlestown will operate via a diversion through Speers Point in both directions.
• Newcastle Buses route 352 services have been cancelled.
• Newcastle Buses are unable to access parts of Caves Beach and Swansea.
For the latest public transport information visit 131500.com.au or call 131 500.
Other information
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• If you are concerned about the welfare of family and friends, please contact the Police Information Centre on 1800 227 228.
• 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 3:45pm Friday 18 October 2013 or if the situation changes.
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