Eighteen homes destroyed as NSW fire crews battle 20 uncontained blazes

The devastation from the Central Coast bushfires has dramatically worsened, with 18 homes now confirmed destroyed during the blaze.

That’s up from 12 homes reported lost on Saturday.

Officials warn the figure could climb even higher as firefighters continue battling dangerous conditions.

Central Coast Council mayor Lawrie McKinna confirmed the escalating property damage on Sunday morning.

“Yes, actually, 18 houses now have been lost, which is shocking, but more assessment and damage has been done with RFS,” he told Sunrise.

The mayor also spoke about the issues facing the community as the blaze continues to rage on Sunday.

Firefighters face newdangers as thunderstorms and strong southerly winds risk pushing blazes into fresh areas as 20 fires still remain uncontained across NSW.

In its latest update the NSW Royal Fire Service confirmed fires were still a “developing situation”.

RFS Deputy Commissioner Ben Millington ABC Breakfast there were 76 fires burning, with 20 considered out of control.

He said the key danger for Sunday was winds that would push the fires into a different direction.

“There’s a potential for the fire to travel to the north, and we’ve crews in place to protect homes should that occur,” he said.

“That wind is now from the south; it could potentially move the fire to the north which has its own issues.”

Fire crews are prioritising active blazes before authorities can assess the full scale of destruction.

Mr Millington said while conditions had eased from Saturday’s inferno, wind and thunderstorm threats remained.

“We’ve got more moderate conditions today,” he said.

“A lot less heat, we do have strong winds and the chance of thunderstorms. Firefighters are continuing to work right across the state on all of these fires, not just in The Central Coast, but also in the upper Hunter … we’ve got a fire burning up there, quite a large fire, about 11,000 hectares.”

On Saturday the ferocious bushfire destroyed 12 homes on The Central Coast, with an extreme heatwave leading to more than 75 bushfires across the state.

This was contained to 20 throughout the night.

Locals in parts of Koolewong, between Gosford and Woy Woy, were told to leave as an apparent change in wind direction suddenly sent the blaze towards homes on Saturday afternoon.

Reports emerged of panicked locals scrambled to grab pets and valuables before racing to emergency centres or seeking refuge with friends and family.

More than 1500 firefighters and 300 vehicles were deployed statewide as temperatures soared, with Penrith climbing above 41C and extreme fire danger declared across the Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra and Central Coast.

Mr Millington told reporters the terrain around The Central Coast fires hampered firefighting efforts.

“Firefighters did a fantastic job, albeit we did lose some 12 or so homes,” he said.

“They were supported by aircraft, including the RFS Chinook helicopter, the large air tanker, they worked throughout the afternoon and right through the night to protect those homes.”

“We’ve still got a southerly change coming through and that’s where our focus continues to be.”

‘Worst news imaginable’

NSW premier Chris Minns noted the devastating impacts of the bush fires on many in the local communities.

“We know at least 12 homes have been destroyed on The Central Coast but that number is likely to be higher and we are devastated for those families,” he said in an interview with the ABC.

“Obviously that is the worst news imaginable in the run up to Christmas, it is exactly what they didn’t need and is a reminder of how devastating these fires can be.”

Mr Minns spoke of the high winds and devastating heat firefighters dealt with, noting the fire had jumped a large stretch of water to hit the town of Woy Woy.

“Just to put it into perspective, the fire embers jumped a stretch of water over a kilometre long, so this was a fast moving, very dangerous fire in a residential area and we owe a debt of gratitude of the members of the RFS, who put their lives on the line for the state.”

According to the premier, December will be “pretty tough” with more bushfires expected.

“Unfortunately, we are likely to have more volatile weather periods due to the changing climate.

“I would love to be able to say we are out of the woods and the worst is behind us, but the truth is that is not the case.

“It is very important that people have their fire evacuation and preparedness plans in place.

Natural disaster payments available

The state and federal government have declared the bushfires as a natural disaster, allowing for financial support for locals in the regions.

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:

•Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items.

•Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.

•Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.

•Concessional loans for small businesses and primary producers up to $130,000.

•Freight and transport subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

•Loans for non-profit organisations up to $25,000.

•Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to get support to communities impacted by these bushfires as quickly as possible,” federal minister for emergency management Kristy McBain said.