Update: Brunswick Heads on ‘fire alert’ as bushfire moves north

Update: 18 October, 2023 at 10.20am

The fire that has been moving in a northerly direction from Byron Bay to Brunswick Heads along the coastline has now burnt out 634ha and has Brunswick Heads on RFS alert  ‘Monitor Conditions’.  

A fire break and containment lines have been cut. Machinery has cut a fire break through to the beach and the fire remains on the coastal side (east) of Simpsons Creek. 

Overnight the wind died down and at the moment the wind is from the south–south/east (SW would be better) and remains calm.

Grays Lane, Tyagarah 

Yesterday (Tuesday, 17 October) when stronger than expected winds came up at 10.30am the fire burnt through to the beach. That means very little fuel is left there and the eastern flank of the fire is relatively safe.

Winds may pick up

There are stronger winds expected this afternoon from around 12 noon today and fire crews are aware of potential asset protections that may be needed from Grays Lane to Tandys Lane, Andersons Hill and Bayshore Estate, Brunswick Heads especially if the fire crosses Simpsons Creek.

There is a large crew and equipment on the ground with most units patrolling and looking at what needs to be done.

Monitor conditions

Residents of Brunswick Heads are advised to ‘monitor conditions’ by the RFS and be alert for smoke and embers.

Original story:

The fire that started at Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay near Habitat around 12.30pm on Saturday 14 October was a grass fire and has continued to move north through Tyagarah towards Brunswick Heads. Earlier this afternoon it broke containment lines to the north side of Grays Lane, Tyagarah.

Ownership of the fire has now been transferred from National Parks to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) who will be providing regular updates. 

Currently the fire has burnt 451ha and the ‘fire is being pushed in a northerly direction towards Brunswick Heads under strong southerly winds,’ say the RFS. The status remains ‘out of control’ on Fires Near Me.

Stay alert

Residents of Brunswick Heads are being told to ‘stay alert’ and ‘keep monitoring the RFS website’ for updates. 

‘Residents of Brunswick Heads should stay alert and monitor your surroundings. Watch out for emergency services personnel and follow their directions,’ said the RFS alert page. 

Prepare to evacuate

Brunswick Heads pod residents have been given ‘a prepare to evacuate order’ said one pod resident. 

‘Some people have left for the oval and others are waiting to see what happens. We currently have the RFS here.’

NSW fire commissioner Rob Rogers told ABC radio authorities had lots of resources on hand to protect properties in the Brunswick Heads area and residents have reported both helicopters and aeroplanes have been used to drop water on the fire.

Residents are advised to watch for signs of fire in your area and look out for burning embers, changes in wind direction and smoke.

Residents are advised to ‘know what you will do if the fire impacts on where you are. Identify a safer location in case the situation changes. This may include a well cleared area or a solid structure such as a home.’

Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking Fires Near Me, the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.

If you have a respiratory condition and may be affected by smoke, activate your health management plan and seek medical advice if necessary. Take precautions, such as staying indoors and closing windows.

For information on road closures, check Live Traffic NSW.

Monitor weather conditions and weather warnings at Bureau of Meteorology.