Bushfire in Sydney’s Northern Beaches Downgraded to ‘Watch and Act’

A significant bushfire on Sydney‘s northern beaches that had previously threatened residential areas and a retirement community has been downgraded from an emergency warning to a “watch and act” alert. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) initially issued an emergency warning at 2:39 pm on Saturday for the blaze at Meatworks Avenue, Oxford Falls, which originated as a hazard reduction burn.

The emergency alert was directed particularly towards the area of Cromer Heights, where residents were advised that it was “too late to leave.” However, by 4:23 pm, fire conditions had improved, leading the RFS to downgrade the fire’s status. At this point, the fire was reported to have spread over 80 hectares and was moving in an easterly direction.

“Conditions are beginning to ease across the fire ground,” the RFS reported. Despite the downgrade, residents near Pinduro Place, Jersey Place, Maybrook Avenue, Kirrang Street, and Lady Penrhyn Drive were cautioned about potential ember attacks.

Earlier in the day, Inspector Ben Shepherd, a spokesman for the RFS, informed media outlets that the fire was advancing toward Cromer Heights and Beacon Hill, driven by north-westerly winds. The blaze prompted authorities to close Willandra Road between McIntosh Road and Little Willandra Road.

Efforts to control the fire involved hundreds of firefighters as well as water-bombing aircraft. Inspector Shepherd confirmed that this blaze had “spotted across lines,” having emanated from a hazard reduction initiative.

Local residents took to social media to share images and videos of the dense smoke clouds looming over the area, notably visible from central business district locations. A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman shared that they had deployed nine trucks, with crews working to defend properties in danger.

This incident underscores the need for preparation as firefighting agencies had previously urged statewide readiness for the bushfire season. Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib noted the potential for a challenging summer, given the growth of vegetation after several years of rain, which has since dried out, heightening the risk of fire.

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers acknowledged that volunteer firefighters have responded to over 1,100 bush and grass fires since July. Authorities had declared a total fire ban across Sydney earlier in the week to mitigate the risk.