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Port Macquarie residents are packing and ready to go as fire crews battle bushfire threats across the local government area.
In particular, the northern end of the Lake Innes area - including Wonga Crescent and The Point Drive - saw a number of intense flare-ups on Friday morning. A fire at Thrumster was also causing concern for local residents, however it was listed as under control.
Some residents of Wonga Crescent were already well-prepared with their plans to leave the area.
One resident, Rob Trounce, said he'd only lived in the area for 12 months and never seen a threat of fire before.
"We're prepared to go and we have the van packed full of photographs, memories," he said.
"I took some deck chairs out of the van because I can buy them again but I've replaced them with photographs, computers and memories that are irreplaceable.
"We'll be vacating tonight anyway and we have somewhere to go on the river.
"We've already cleaned the gutters out once, but I want to go around again quickly.
"I've never seen something like this close to where we live.
"Many of our neighbours are ready to go as well."
Another neighbour, Ross Fanning said many of his neighbours are thinking of evacuating into downtown Port Macquarie.
"There's not much you can do about it, which is unfortunate," he said.
"If a fire comes, it comes and goes.
"We are concerned but there's nothing you can do about it."
Wonga Crescent resident Lynne Cole, who was busy packing her car this morning said she has a fire plan and a friend to stay with as she evacuates.
"I'm going to Sydney for throat surgery and if these bushfires keep raging through this area it's going to be on my mine the whole time," she said.
"I thank the firefighters, they must be worn out.
"I hope everyone is packed because it is very close."
The Oxley Highway is currently closed to eastbound traffic.
What we know now:
- The Lindfield Park Road fire is listed as advice and being controlled.
- A fire at Cohens Way, Thrumster is under control.
- A grass fire at the northern end of Lake Innes on Wonga Crescent off The Point Drive is still listed as out of control.
- St Josephs Regional College, Port Macquarie is closed today and students are to remain at home. Students sitting their HSC will be moved to Mackillop College.
- Traffic conditions are changing. For the latest update go to www.livetraffic.com
- There is a total fire ban. The fire rating for this weekend is severe. All State forests are closed.
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