Bushfire sparks 'night of terror' | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

Bushfire sparks 'night of terror'

15th October 2009

RESIDENTS of Brooms Head have described a night of terror as a bushfire encroached on the NSW north coast village.

Rural Fire Service volunteers look at the Brooms Head fire as they refill their tanker late on Wednesday night. PHOTO: ADAM HOURIGAN

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RESIDENTS of Brooms Head on the NSW north coast have described a night of terror as a bushfire encroached on the coastal village.

Sue Sheehan said the fire came within metres of homes as firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night, protecting dozens of properties.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread, fanned by gusty winds, while a second fire flared up at Gurranang, near Grafton.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) issued emergency warnings about 7pm (AEDT) on Wednesday but these were later downgraded to "watch and act", and no properties were under threat on Thursday morning.

Ms Sheehan said the entire town faced obliteration as flames licked homes and flying embers sparked spotfires during a terrifying 12 hours.

"It certainly could have happened. We are surrounded by bushland and there are a lot of homes backing onto that bushland," she told AAP.

"I spent the night at the local fire shed making cups of tea and looking after the firies.

"They did a wonderful job."

Relief finally came for residents about 4am (AEDT) when the fire was contained.

Brooms Head General Store assistant Beverly Owen said many locals locked themselves indoors but a large number of home owners decided to stay and fight.

She fled to the local caravan park when the fire came within 10 metres of the shop.

"It was raging but the firies were watering everything down," she said.

"Not one house was lost but it could have been bad."

Milder weather conditions forecast for Thursday will help the firefighting effort, with crews now working to construct containment lines, the RFS says.

Read more...

Bushfire emergency declared

Blaze approaching Brooms Head

Burning ring surrounds city

Choppers water-bomb huge blaze

Bundaberg aflame


 
© AAP
 
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