The first emergency fire warning was issued about 11am on Tuesday (local time) for Thunderbolts Way in Bretti, northwest of Taree in the NSW mid-north. NSW is dealing with unprecedented fires during what the emergency services minister says could be the most dangerous bushfire week in Australia's history. A catastrophic fire danger rating - the highest possible level - is in place for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter and Illawarra-Shoalhaven regions. He said winds across the ranges were averaging up to 50km/h with gusts exceeding 70km/h. The bushfires, which hit hard on Friday, have claimed three lives and destroyed at least 150 homes in the state's north.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 11, 2019 19:35 UTC