There are growing fears the fire burning near Willawarrin will reach Kempsey and Crescent Head tomorrow.
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A spokesman for the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Dave Nicholson said local crews were gearing up for severe conditions on Tuesday November 12, when the number of volunteer firefighters outside Macksville and Kempsey would double.
"My best guess is that the fire is going to reach Kempsey tomorrow. Worst case, it's gonna head to the coast and reach Crescent Head," Mr Nicholson told the Sydney Morning Herald.
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He said residents in areas outside Kempsey were being strongly advised to relocate by Monday evening before "the wind hits" and possible road closures on Tuesday morning meant it would be too late.
He said even rescue aircraft could potentially be grounded due to wind and smoke on Tuesday, when temperatures are expected to exceed 30 degrees.
"If you've got somewhere to go make sure you go today. We are asking people to go to Macksville, Bowraville and Kempsey. There are evacuation centres in those three locations," he said.
Mr Nicholson is currently work with a team at the Kempsey Fire and Control Centre, which is being assisted by crews from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand.
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