SYDNEY, Dec 6, (Xinhua): New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), the lead combat agency for bush fires in the Australian state of NSW, confirmed that multiple homes have been destroyed by fire, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Saturday afternoon. This confirmation came after live video from the network news helicopter showed at least six properties destroyed on Nimbin Road, near Koolewong, ABC added.

NSW RFS had put an emergency warning in place on Saturday afternoon for the Nimbin Road due to a bush fire burning in a southerly direction behind Glenrock Parade towards Lara Street. "If you are in the area of Nimbin Road, Glenrock Parade, Lara St and Nimala Ave, you are at risk. Leave now if the path is clear towards Woy Woy," said the authority.

Koolewong is a suburb on the Central Coast of NSW, about an hour's drive from Sydney CBD. ABC also reported that trains were not running on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line due to a fire near the tracks at Koolewong. NSW RFS issued another emergency warning later for the Baerami, Baerami Creek, Widden, Yarrawa and Kerrabee areas due to a large bush fire.

These areas are in the Upper Hunter region of NSW and over 200 km northwest of Sydney CBD. The authority told people who are in the areas that they are in danger, and it is too late for them to leave. It asked people in the areas to seek shelter inside a solid structure such as a house.