Bushfires destroy Central Coast homes as natural disaster declared for parts of NSW

Blaze rips through homes on the Central Coast — disaster zones declared

A ferocious bushfire ripped through the Central Coast suburb of Koolewong (between Gosford and Woy Woy), destroying at least a dozen homes as flames tore across bushland and residential streets. The blaze, one among dozens across New South Wales (NSW), prompted state authorities to declare major portions of the region a natural disaster zone.

By the time the fire had been downgraded from emergency status, firefighting crews estimated at least 12 houses lost at Koolewong — but local media and residents suggest the toll may rise. Some sources report up to 16 homes destroyed when neighbouring areas are included.

Officials say more than 300 firefighters, backed by 55 fire appliances and air support, were dispatched to battle what became one of the state’s largest fire emergencies in recent memory.

How it unfolded: from ember to inferno

The fire began in the Koolewong area on Saturday afternoon and quickly escalated. A rapid southerly wind‑change fanned the flames, sending embers airborne and carrying fire across bushland and — alarmingly — over water. Fire authorities confirmed embers jumped more than a kilometre of water to reach populated suburbs near Brisbane Water.

Residents had only minutes to evacuate. One couple, Tony and Claudia Stellino, described frantic moments as their house went up in flames: “All the memories — we’ve lost everything,” they told reporters. Their car was the only thing left intact.

Difficult terrain and limited road access hampered fire crews. At times, boats were used to ferry firefighters to threatened properties.

By nightfall, warnings were issued to broader areas including Nimbin Road and Woy Woy Bay; some residents were evacuated to temporary shelters such as the local RSL club in Gosford. Roads were closed, train services between Gosford and Hornsby suspended — a disruption felt statewide.

Scope — more than one fire front, damage beyond Koolewong

The Koolewong blaze is just one of dozens raging across NSW. In total, authorities recorded more than 75 active fires over the weekend, with at least 20 still uncontrolled as of Sunday morning.

On the state’s Mid North Coast, near Bulahdelah, another fire destroyed up to four homes and burned thousands of hectares of bushland, forcing closures on parts of the Pacific Highway.

In the Upper Hunter region near Milsons Gully, a fire scorching nearly 9,000 hectares threatened farmland and scattered communities.

With such widespread devastation — houses lost, landscapes charred, infrastructure damaged — the NSW Government activated disaster‑relief protocols under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), unlocking financial support for affected residents, businesses and farmers.

On the ground: survivors, evacuees and frontline crews

Families whose homes were lost are now adrift: displaced, shocked, uncertain what comes next. For many it was the loss not just of a home, but of memories, pets and the sense of security a house brings. Tony Stellino’s plea — “we’ll have to take it one day at a time” — echoed the mood of dozens of other residents surveying ash and ruin.

At the same time, emergency shelters have swelled with evacuees. The RFS (Rural Fire Service) has established exclusion zones around the worst‑hit suburbs, working with energy and local authorities to restore power, clear roads and assess structural safety.

Firefighters themselves described the battle as among the most challenging in recent years. Deputy‑commissioner Ben Millington warned “we are not out of the woods yet” — not with unpredictable winds, hot conditions and dozens of fires still burning.

Government response: declarations, aid — and a call for vigilance

The formal natural disaster declarations cover multiple regions: Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo.

Premier Chris Minns visited Koolewong, met with displaced families, praised firefighters and volunteers, and urged residents to remain alert as conditions remain volatile.

Financial relief is now available to help rebuild homes, support small businesses and primary producers, and cover immediate needs like shelter, transport, and cleanup.

Authorities are also warning of further danger: strong southerly winds, possible dry lightning with thunderstorms, and lingering heat mean that fires could reignite or spread.

Why this season feels different — early heat, dry fuel, and shifting climate winds

Fire experts point to a “perfect storm” of contributing factors this summer: prolonged dryness, high temperatures, erratic wind patterns — all exacerbated by climate change. What might have been manageable under normal conditions exploded when fuel‑loads, heat and wind combined.

Central Coast’s terrain — dense bushland coupled with residential zones nestled near forest and water inlets — means once fire gains a foothold, it spreads rapidly. The Koolewong fire reportedly jumped across water and leapt kilometres in minutes.

Moreover, the storm comes at a time when efforts for hazard‑reduction burns and other preventive measures are said to be behind schedule — leaving landscapes especially vulnerable. Officials warn that this summer may mark one of the worst fire periods in years.

What residents and communities can do — preparedness and solidarity

With volatility forecast to remain high, authorities urge residents to:

• Keep evacuation plans ready, know your nearest shelter, and monitor local fire‑service alerts.
• Clear vegetation, gutters and flammable materials from around homes and properties.
• Prepare essential kits — important documents, medications, water, pet supplies — in case another evacuation is needed.
• Look out for neighbours and vulnerable community members, especially elderly or people with mobility issues.
• Support displaced families: local charities and councils are coordinating donations of clothing, bedding, supplies and shelter.

For those who lost homes, rebuilding — physically and emotionally — will be a long road. The state’s disaster‑relief packages provide a start, but community support, time and collective resilience will matter most.

What happens next — long haul, recovery, and hope

As firefighters continue mopping up hot spots and monitoring containment lines, damage assessments will likely reveal a rising toll: more homes lost, more lives disrupted, more landscapes scarred. The official house‑destruction count — currently at 12–16 — may not reflect final total once access improves and all affected suburbs are surveyed.

Government has pledged ongoing support — financial, logistic, mental‑health — for individuals and communities. The DRFA relief effort is activated, and councils are working with affected residents on rebuilding plans.

But as authorities caution: this might be just the beginning. With summer only starting, fire‑risk remains elevated across NSW. Residents are urged to stay prepared, vigilant — and united.