Southerly change quells bushfires

A rainy southerly change quelled two bushfires that were burning out of control between Patonga and Pearl Beach on December 14.

The fires reached a Watch and Act alert level with Pearl Beach residents advised to start to take actions to protect themselves and their property.

They were told to "leave now if safe to do so or, if they were not prepared to, protect their properties," according to the Rural Fire Service.

Firefighters worked to contain the two bushfires that were out of control during the early afternoon and were concerned an expected southerly change would push the fire front towards Pearl Beach and Umina.

Patonga Rd was closed for several hours.

Multiple firefighting crews were on the scene and water bombing aircraft, including the Aircrane, were also deployed to assist the firefighters on the ground.

The Aircrane used its sea snorkel to load water in Broken Bay then flew over Patonga to release the water on the fire.

The NSW Rural Fire Service reported at 3:41pm that the fire was burning west of Pearl Beach and advised residents in the area to "watch and act".

"If you plan to leave, leave now," the fire service announced.

No homes were threatened by the fires but the RFS did express concerns about the southerly change, which could have pushed the fire front towards Umina.

The expected southerly change moved across the Patonga fire ground at around 6pm.

Fortunately the change came with rain and conditions were reported to be easing within an hour of the front's arrival.

At 7pm, the fire was downgraded from watch and act to advice level.

The Patonga fires were included in 51 that were burning across the state on December 14.

Firefighters were praised by RFS NSW and community members for their efforts in fighting the Patonga blaze.

Website, 14 Dec 2016

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