As the winds begin to pick up across the region, so has the fire danger with the Bretti fire on Thunderbolts Way being elevated to emergency warning. So far more than 10,000 hectares have been burned and this is expected to increase dramatically this evening. The fire is approximately 26 kilometres southeast of Nowendoc village.
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The NSW RFS says the Reserves Road fire burning in the area of Nowendoc Road , approximately 11km southeast of Nowendoc village, is out of control, has burned 300 hectares and is spreading quickly.
Earlier today the RFS advised that if you are in the path of the fire, you are at risk. If you are in the Nowendoc and Mount George area, you are at risk. If you are in Cooplacarripa it is too late to leave.
If it is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Since this emergency warning was issued at 11.30am this morning it is unclear exactly how many people remain in the area but crews on the ground are aware of who is and are doing everything they can to protect lives and homes a RFS spokesperson said.
The Nowendoc Road is closed in both directions between Nowendoc and Knorrit Flat. The Oxley Highway also remains closed between Walcha and Wauchope.
"Complacency kills," rural Fire Service Shane Fitzsimmons told media this afternoon.
"We cannot afford for people to be complacent."
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, well away from bushland.
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
Conditions on Tuesday, November 12 sees areas across the state with severe, extreme and catastrophic fire danger. These are very dangerous conditions. Visit the NSW RFS website for more details.
For a list of evacuation centres open Tuesday, November 12 visit https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/Pages/for-the-community/disaster-assistance/disaster-assistance.aspx.
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 http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads may be closed without warning.
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