In the dunes at South Valla Beach local fire crews battled a blaze that covered a two-hectare area.
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Zone Manager for the Lower North Coast Rural Fire Service (RFS), Superintendent Lachlann Ison, spoke to the Guardian about how they were first alerted to the fire.
“We received the first report of a fire in the sand hills east of Hyland Park around 1 pm on Sunday,” he said.
“Because of the relatively isolated location, steep difficult landscape, and hot, humid conditions, we sent six crews to help, initially with hand tools and knapsacks, it was fairly labour intensive and involved a lot of connecting hoses.”
In attendance were crews from the Newee Creek, Nambucca Headquarters, Valla Beach and Valla brigades, reportedly the different teams worked well together and the blaze was extinguished by 7:30 pm.
While the cause wasn't immediately apparent, it is now believed that the fire was caused by carelessness.
“We believe it started due to an informal campsite set up in the dunes, people are known to frequent the area, we get called out there every few years.”
The danger has now passed; however, the RFS is keeping an eye on the area just to be safe.
“This morning someone in the local brigade went out there to check on the spot, and we will be keeping an eye on the area for the next few days, Supt Ison said.
“Just a friendly reminder that all fire permits are suspended until further notice, due to the dry conditions everyone should take extra care around ignition sources.”
Everyone is cautioned to stay alert and call 000 if they see an unattended fire.
