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Firefighters have been defending 15 homes under threat at Telegraph Point, north-west of Port Macquarie.
The fire, which began at Gum Scrub a couple of weeks ago, broke through containment lines on Friday, November 8, and firefighters from various agencies began fighting the flames and protecting 15 homes along Rollands Plains Road in Telegraph Point.
Sue Pike, who has lived in the same house for 40 years, watched in horror as the fire spread down the hill and embers lit spot fires near the back of her home. She thought a rainstorm had put it out.
Her big fear was that embers would spread to her home and set it alight. She has her car packed and ready with photographs and personal items in case she has to leave in a hurry.
"I'm so grateful to the Rollands Plains Rural Fire Brigade who are protecting my house. They have their pumps in my swimming pool, and to the helicopters dropping water on the fire. If you don't have a fire plan, make one. It could happen to you," warned Sue.
I'm so grateful to the Rollands Plains Rural Fire Brigade who are protecting my house and to the helicopters dropping water on the fire. If you don't have a fire plan, make one.
- Sue Pike
Divisional Commander Shane Dickinson from the Forestry Corporation said the fire broke containment lines overnight and in addition to the 15 houses they were protecting, there were another 20 they might have to help.
Nearby in Harradine Close, neighbours Sinead Stone and Joanne White said the whole community was banding together to help the firefighters, by getting food and drinks to them. On Sunday, there were three or four helicopters waterbombing the fire on the hill 200 metres from their homes and they contained it.
"A lot of the firies are not from here. They're from Taree, Kempsey and Old Bar, and they're asking directions," said Sinead.
"There are three major fires around here, Bril Bril, Ballengarra and Gum Scrub, here in the middle where we are. The situation changes, too, depending on the wind," said Joanne.
The Public Information Line about bushfires on the Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley and Manning Great Lakes is 1800 227 228.
Members of the public are reminded to delay all non-essential travel in fire affected areas to assist emergency services.
Avoid dangers such as damaged powerlines and the possibility of asbestos in fire-damaged properties.
Monitor emergency websites, including www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, as well as your regular media news sources for updated advice and warnings.
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