Central Coast bushfire response amid high wind warnings

Firefighters are battling a bushfire near Calga on the Central Coast of New South Wales. The emergency response comes as the State Emergency Service and Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings regarding potentially damaging winds.

Wind gusts exceeding 100 kilometres per hour were recorded in parts of the state on Saturday afternoon. While winds were expected to ease late Saturday, forecasters warned that damaging winds could redevelop overnight and into Sunday morning in the Snowy Mountains and South Coast Ranges.

Local officials expressed gratitude to the Rural Fire Service for their rapid response to contain the blaze. Residents in areas including Newcastle, Gosford, Scone, Mudgee, Cessnock, and Maitland were advised to remain prepared as the region heads into summer.