Bushfire warnings issued across NSW as heatwave intensifies; Emergency warning in effect for Bulahdelah fire on Mid North Coast

New South Wales was hit with an early burst of intense summer heat on Friday, giving the state a preview of what could become Australia’s hottest summer on record. Around 40 bush and grass fires were active across the state. An emergency warning is also still in effect for the Bulahdelah fire on the Mid North Coast. The Pacific Highway is shut, and firefighters are contending with strong winds and difficult conditions.

The blaze at Beni near Dubbo has been downgraded from an emergency warning, though it remains uncontained and continues to threaten isolated rural properties. The Golden Highway is closed in both directions. Rural Fire Service spokesperson Ben Shepherd said, as quoted by ABC News, that several isolated rural properties remain under threat from the Beni blaze, urging anyone in the area to shelter in place.



"We're seeing some unbelievable fire conditions on that fireground at the moment that is resulting in properties coming under threat," Shepherd said.

"We've seen a couple of grassfires and crop fires that have sprung up that [have] taken the attention of aircraft and crews, so it is proving to be a bit of a problematic afternoon.

We are expecting conditions to deteriorate tomorrow."

Shepherd said resources were being stretched across the state to manage around 60 active fires. He added that the Bulahdelah blaze is unlikely to be contained by Friday night, with the Pacific Highway expected to remain closed into Saturday.

According to ABC News, authorities have also issued severe to extreme heatwave warnings for much of New South Wales. Sydney recorded 37.8°C by 1 PM. on Friday, surpassing the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast of 35°C and marking the city’s hottest day since January 2024. A sea breeze reaching Observatory Hill may set today’s eventual maximum temperature.