September 21st 2024.
A fire is raging out of control in the north of Sydney, causing concern for nearby residents who have been told that it may be too late to evacuate their homes. According to the NSW Rural Fire Service, the fire started on Meatworks Avenue in Oxford Falls and is now spreading in an eastward direction towards Maybrooke Avenue. As a precaution, an emergency warning has been issued for the Cromer Heights area, specifically for those living in Pinduro Place, Jersey Place, Maybrook Avenue, Lady Penryhn Drive, and Kirrang Street. The RFS has advised these residents to seek shelter from the blaze as it may be too late to leave.
In addition to the warning, the RFS has also cautioned residents in Narraween and Cromer to be mindful of embers that may be carried by the strong winds and potentially start spot fires ahead of the main fire front. Firefighters and waterbombing aircraft are working tirelessly in an effort to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. As a safety measure, the RFS is advising anyone in the area to stay indoors, protect themselves from the fire, and regularly monitor the situation.
Earlier, residents near the Maybrook Retirement Village were asked to prepare for potential evacuation. Currently, three aged care homes are being threatened by the fire. The RFS has confirmed that over 160 firefighters and 20 vehicles are on the scene, with two aircraft also deployed to assist in the firefighting efforts. The public is being asked to refrain from flying drones in the area as they may interfere with the operation.
The fire was reported to have started when a controlled burn in the vicinity unexpectedly spread beyond its containment lines this afternoon. As a result, a thick plume of smoke can be seen billowing across the Northern Beaches, causing concern for the safety and well-being of the community.
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