It has been a hellish night for local firefighters in the Nambucca Valley, and elsewhere in the state.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Footage of the fire at Rainbow Flat in between Old Bar and Forster
The alert on the fires in the Nambucca was downgraded at midnight to 'Watch and Act'.
But residents around Bowraville and Buckra Bendinni are being cautioned to remain vigilant, especially for embers.
While temperatures are cooler today than yesterday, winds of up to 25kph are predicted, which has the potential to cause further damage.
As it stands the Kian Rd fire has now impacted 14,302 hectares - a tenth of the land in the Nambucca Shire.
There are overwhelming reports from the public that several properties have been lost over the past 24 hours.
The true impact of the devastation will not be known for some time, however.
Many local fire crews have worked non-stop.
"Crew of Eungai 1 pulled a 19 hour shift trying to save what we could in exceptionally difficult and dangerous conditions," the Eungai Facebook page reads.
The few photos they were able to snap in between trying their utmost to save properties give a glimpse into the frightening conditions our firefighters faced yesterday.
Thank you to our friends and colleagues from all the emergency services and supporting entities and our best wishes to all those who have been impacted.To those who have left their homes and sought shelter, please understand that it will be some time before you can go back in. The days after a fire are very dangerous as large trees can come down without warning.
- Eungai Rural Fire Brigade
Evacuation centres are stationed at the Macksville High School auditorium, and the Anglican Church in Young St, Bowraville.
The Nambucca Heads RSL is now open for any affected residents needing shelter or food. They are also acting as a drop-off point for donations.
The Macksville Ex-Services Club is also acting as a rendezvous point and for anyone needing a coffee and to freshen up.
People are encouraged to use the 'Register.Find.Reunite' website here: https://register.redcross.org.au/
Current power outages for our Valley
More details to come shortly once we're able to talk with the Fire Control Centre in Kempsey.