A rapidly spreading bushfire at Oyster Cove near Port Stephens has been declared a Watch and Act incident, with firefighters battling difficult conditions as nearby residents are urged to prepare to leave if the situation worsens. The fire is burning near Medowie in the Hunter region of New South Wales and has already scorched more than 140 hectares of bushland.
Thick smoke has drifted across surrounding communities, including Raymond Terrace, where locals have reported ashfall and reduced visibility. Emergency services have warned that changing winds could quickly alter the fire’s direction, making early preparation especially important for people living close to the fire ground.
Where the fire is burning
The bushfire is burning along Oyster Cove Road between Medowie and Tanilba Bay. Crews are working through vegetation near Saltwater Creek, which feeds into the Karuah River system. The location is challenging because heavy bushland, dry fuel and shifting winds can make containment difficult.
NSW Rural Fire Service crews are being supported by water-bombing aircraft, Hunter region brigades and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service teams. Authorities have confirmed there are currently no reports of injuries, although assessments of possible property impact are continuing.
Medowie residents told to prepare
Residents in parts of Medowie, particularly around James Road, Coachwood Drive and areas near Moffats Swamp Nature Reserve, have been advised to leave early if they are not fully prepared with a bushfire survival plan. Fire authorities say waiting until flames are close can make evacuation more dangerous.
A Watch and Act alert means there is a heightened level of threat. Homes may not be under direct attack, but embers, heavy smoke and sudden changes in wind can quickly create unsafe conditions. Residents should keep phones charged, gather essential items and be ready to act if official advice changes.
Why conditions could change quickly
The Hunter region has been facing elevated fire danger, with hot temperatures, dry vegetation and gusty winds combining to create fast-moving bushfire conditions. These factors can cause a fire to spread through scrub and forested areas faster than expected, especially when embers start new spot fires ahead of the main front.
Firefighters are also responding to dozens of other fires across New South Wales, including incidents on the Mid North Coast and in national park areas. That wider fire activity places additional pressure on emergency crews and reinforces the need for households to make decisions early.
Smoke and travel warnings
Smoke from the Oyster Cove fire is likely to continue affecting surrounding communities. People with asthma, heart conditions or breathing difficulties should remain indoors where possible, close windows and doors, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Drivers in the Port Stephens area should use caution, as visibility may change quickly due to smoke and emergency activity. Roads near the fire ground could be affected at short notice, and motorists should follow directions from police, firefighters and traffic authorities.
How residents can stay informed
Residents should continue monitoring official emergency warnings through the NSW Rural Fire Service Fires Near Me website, which provides real-time incident updates, alert levels and safety advice for communities across New South Wales.
Recent bushfire emergencies have shown how quickly fires can disrupt communities, roads and emergency services. Similar challenges were seen during the Bulahdelah fire that closed the Pacific Highway in NSW, where smoke and fast-moving flames caused major travel disruption and prompted emergency warnings across the region.
For now, the Oyster Cove fire remains active and crews are expected to continue working through the evening. Residents in affected areas should stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel near the fire ground and leave early if they are advised to do so or feel unsafe.
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