Some Cove residents were well prepared for evacuation if Sunday's fire, which had threatened Karuah, closed the highway and then jumped the Karuah River, had moved further east towards Carrington and North Arm Cove pushed by those strong westerly winds.
The thick smoke scattered the light of the afternoon sun into an ominous red glow. Thankfully a late afternoon change of breeze has eased the situation for Sunday night - at least for Carrington and North Arm Cove which RFS considers are no longer under threat from this fire . However Monday and Tuesday temperatures in this area are forecast to be in the low to mid 30s so residents are advised to make sure their bush fire survival plans are up-to-date and that their homes are well prepared.
Situation at 6pm Wednesday - Final advice
Firefighters have contained a fire in the area of Karuah, Balickera, Limeburners Creek, Medowie and Swan Bay.
Welcome rain has now seen this fire contained.
Cooler conditions today allowed firefighters to establish containment lines and undertake backburning when conditions allowed.
The fire has burnt approximately 9036ha.
Crews continue to monitor and patrol the fire perimeter.
This will be the final update for this fire unless conditions change.
Situation as at 8.30pm Monday
The fire has burnt a large area of bushland north and south of the Pacific Highway.
Firefighters have today attacked fire activity to the north of Medowie and north of Karuah and Limeburners Creek. Throughout the day crews have used heavy plant equipment to construct containment lines and are continuing to undertake backburning tactics where conditions allow. Water bombing aircraft have assisted firefighters throughout the day.
Firefighters will use easing conditions overnight to their advantage establishing containment lines on the southern and eastern perimeters of the fire.
There are a number of isolated rural properties in the area along Taylors Road and Pipe Clay Creek Road, north of Medowie. People in this area should continue to monitor conditions overnight and be aware of smoke and embers.
There is also fire activity on the north side of the Karuah River Bridge. Firefighters with the assistance of water bombing aircraft are continuing to work on containing the fire on the eastern peninsular just north of the bridge. No properties are currently under threat in this area.
People in the area of Karuah, Limeburners Creek, Medowie, Nine Mile Creek and Swan Bay and should continue to monitor the situation overnight and be alert to burning embers. Residents should take advice from firefighters in the area.
There is no immediate threat to the townships of Karuah, North Arm Cove and Carrington.
Medowie Road is currently closed between the Pacific Highway and Federation Drive due to smoke in the area.
The Bucketts Way is currently closed between the Pacific Highway and Limeburners Creek Road.
The Pacific Highway is open, however motorists are advised to use caution when driving through the area as firefighters may be working near the road. Check www.livetraffic.com for updates.
Situation at 2.30pm Monday
The fire has burnt a large area of bushland north and south of the Pacific Highway.
Fire activity has increased on the southern edge of the fire, which is to the north of Medowie. Crews are using heavy plant equipment to construct containment lines and may backburn where conditions allow. Residents may see an increase in fire and smoke when backburning operations commence. Firefighters are being assisted by water bombing aircraft in this area.
There are a number of isolated rural properties in the area along Taylors Road and Pipe Clay Creek Road, north of Medowie. People in this area should monitor conditions and be aware of smoke and embers.
There is also fire activity on the north side of the Karuah River Bridge. Firefighters with the assistance of water bombing aircraft are working to contain the fire on the eastern peninsular just north of the bridge. No properties are currently under threat in this area.
Temperatures today are expected to reach the low 30s with north westerly winds. This may send the fire towards the communities of Swan Bay and Medowie. People in this area should monitor the situation and be alert to burning embers.
Residents of Limeburners Creek, Karuah, Swan Bay and Nine Mile Creek should continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters in the area.
There is no immediate threat to the townships of Karuah, North Arm Cove and Carrington.
Medowie Road is currently closed between the Pacific Highway and Federation Drive due to smoke in the area.
The Pacific Highway is open, however motorists are advised to use caution when driving through the area as firefighters may be working near the road. Check www.livetraffic.com for updates.
Situation at 11.45am Monday
The fire has burnt a large area of bushland north and south of the Pacific Highway.
Fire activity has increased on the southern edge of the fire, which is to the north of Medowie. Crews are using heavy plant equipment to construct containment lines and may backburn where conditions allow. Residents may see an increase in fire and smoke when backburning operations commence.
There are a number of isolated rural properties in the area along Taylors Road and Pipe Clay Creek Road, north of Medowie. People in this area should monitor conditions and be aware of smoke and embers.
Temperatures today are expected to reach the low 30s with north westerly winds. This may send the fire towards the communities of Swan Bay and Medowie. People in this area should monitor the situation and be alert to burning embers.
Residents of Limeburners Creek, Karuah, Swan Bay and Nine Mile Creek should continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters in the area.
There is no immediate threat to the townships of Karuah, North Arm Cove and Carrington.
The situation as updated by RFS at 8.15am Monday 7 November
Conditions have eased overnight, allowing firefighters to backburn where conditions have allowed.
The fire has now burnt approximately 6500 hectares.
Residents of Limeburners Creek, Karuah, Swan Bay and Nine Mile Creek should continue to monitor the situation and take advice from firefighters in the area.
The threat to North Arm Cove and Carrington has eased and at this point the fire is no longer expected to affect these communities.
Temperatures today are expected to reach the low 30s with north westerly winds. This may push the fire towards the communities of Swan Bay and Medowie.
The Pacific Highway is open, however motorists are advised to use caution when driving through the area as firefighters may be working near the road. Check www.livetraffic.com for updates.
Advice
Residents of Limeburners Creek, Karuah, North Arm Cove, Swan Bay, Carrington and Nine Mile Creek should monitor conditions.
Take advice of firefighters on the ground.
Other Information
If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Continue to stay up to date with the bush fire situation by checking http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, listening to your local radio station or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
If you live in the area but are away from home, it may not be safe to return to your property.
For information on road closures, check http://www.livetraffic.com. Roads may be closed without warning.
