While firefighters continue to battle two massive blazes west of Kempsey, residents in northern New South Wales have been advised to get ready over the next few weeks.
Currently burning at advisory level, a blaze has destroyed almost 22,000 hectares of the Willi Willi National Park and Boonanghi Nature Reserve.
According to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers, it might take several weeks to completely put out the enormous fire.
“This fire is not going to be out in a matter of days, it’s gonna be a couple of weeks dealing with this fire before we actually get it contained,” Rogers stated.
“Simply because of the terrain and the size of the fire so we’ve got a long way to go, it’s a marathon it’s not a sprint.”
Residents have been advised to get ready and watch out for embers that can ignite smaller fires.
Given the forecast for hot weather and strong gusts, the fire is predicted to get worse throughout the weekend.
“The priorities for the team at the moment is containing the fire to the east and the southern part of that fire,” Rogers stated.
Richard Mainey, 56, was killed by the fire while attempting to protect his mother’s property.
In a statement, Richard’s family stated, “We will miss those dimples and cheeky grin more than words can ever say. Richard was a caring brother and uncle.”
The main road out of Hat Head was closed off last night by a second fire that is currently blazing at advisory level and has destroyed more than 1300 hectares of land.
Hat Head Road remains closed at the intersection of Kinchela Creek Right Bank Road, and the RFS has informed the locals that it is too late for them to depart.
With the small easing of circumstances today, it was anticipated that the fire would burn easterly.
