Wildfires

Australia - Record Heat

Fingal Bay, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie were host to more than a dozen out-of-control blazes last Sunday.

The mercury soared to 35 degrees, fanned by 100 km/h winds and sparked fires in the early afternoon.

Hundreds of residents whose homes were under threat in the Tilligerry Peninsula were turned away at Lemon Tree Passage, which was blocked off at Rookes Road.

By 6pm Sunday, more than 50 residents had moved to an evacuation centre at Williamtown, having been denied access to the peninsula. Strong south-easterly winds pushed the flames towards Mallabula, Bobs Farm and Tanilba Bay.

In Salt Ash, it is believed five homes were gutted by the flames.

At Fingal Bay, a fire raged out of control at Rocky Point Road, Boulder Bay Road, Amaroo Crescent and Pacific Drive for most of the day.