Australia Bushfire Emergency: Real-Time Tracking
Active bushfires continue across eastern Australia as severe heatwave conditions drive extreme fire behaviour. Multiple Watch & Act warnings remain in place for communities in New South Wales and Tasmania, with road closures and property damage reported.
For residents from the Mid North Coast of NSW to the beaches of Tasmania, devastating summer conditions have arrived. Emergency warnings have been issued, highways closed, and communities forced to evacuate as multiple bushfires burn under extreme weather conditions.
As of December 5, 2025, fire crews are battling several significant blazes across eastern Australia. The Pacific Highway fire at Bulahdelah has burned over 1,000 hectares and forced the closure of major transport routes. In Tasmania, the Dolphin Sands fire has damaged at least 19 homes and 15 outbuildings, with the community still unable to return.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued severe to extreme heatwave warnings across NSW, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in western regions. Total fire bans were declared for multiple districts including Greater Sydney, Hunter, and Illawarra/Shoalhaven. This dashboard provides real-time tracking of active incidents, official warnings, and critical safety information.
Active Fire Location Tracker
Current Watch & Act warnings and major fire locations across eastern Australia (click markers for details)
Timeline: Key Fire Updates December 5, 2025
Latest developments from official emergency services
Fire burning on both sides of Pacific Highway near Nerong. Highway reopened with one lane each direction. Fire reported as over 1,000 hectares. Residents in affected areas should monitor conditions. Source: NSW RFS
Fast-moving grass fire near Golden Highway. Earlier emergency warning was downgraded. Fire crews continue work on containment. Golden Highway experienced closures with diversions in place. Source: NSW RFS
At least 19 homes and shacks damaged or destroyed, 15 outbuildings lost. Over 700 hectares burned. Dolphin Sands Road remains closed – residents advised NOT to return. Evacuation centre at Swansea Town Hall operational. Source: Tasmania Fire Service
Fire burning in SE direction. Residents along Bylong Valley Way in Baerami area advised to prepare. Fire exceeds 7,000 hectares. Community meetings held at Worondi and Merriwa. Source: NSW RFS
Extreme fire danger ratings and total fire bans across multiple NSW districts including Greater Sydney, Hunter, and Illawarra/Shoalhaven. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in western regions. Damaging winds forecast for late Saturday could spread fires. Source: Bureau of Meteorology
What To Do If You’re In An Affected Area
Critical safety actions based on official emergency service guidance
If Watch & Act Warning Issued
- If not prepared to stay and defend, leaving now is your safest option
- Check your bush fire survival plan
- Fill buckets, sinks and baths with water for firefighting
- Block downpipes and fill gutters with water to prevent ember ignition
- Remove flammable items from around your property
- Prepare protective clothing (natural fibres covering all skin)
If Emergency Warning Issued
- Shelter in a solid structure immediately if told it’s too late to leave
- Bring pets indoors and restrain them
- Close all doors and windows, turn off air conditioners
- Shelter in a room away from approaching fire with water and clear exit
- Monitor inside and outside for embers and spot fires
- Call Triple Zero (000) if your life is at risk
Stay Informed
- Monitor Fires Near Me (NSW) or TasALERT (Tasmania)
- Listen to ABC Local Radio for continuous emergency broadcasts
- Call RFS Bush Fire Information Line: 1800 679 737
- Check Live Traffic NSW for road closures
- Follow Bureau of Meteorology for weather warnings
Smoke & Health
- If you have a respiratory condition, activate your health management plan
- Stay indoors and close windows when affected by smoke
- Use air purifiers or create a clean air room if available
- Seek medical advice if experiencing breathing difficulties
- Limit outdoor activities during poor air quality periods
- Check on vulnerable family members and neighbours regularly
Official Emergency Resources
Direct links to authoritative fire and emergency services
The information presented covered current bushfire emergency situations across New South Wales and Tasmania as of December 5, 2025. Watch & Act warnings were reported for multiple locations including the Pacific Highway fire at Bulahdelah, fires near Dubbo, and the Dolphin Sands fire in Tasmania.
Property damage was confirmed at Dolphin Sands with at least 19 structures affected. Road closures impacted the Pacific Highway and Golden Highway. Extreme fire danger ratings and total fire bans were declared across multiple NSW districts under severe heatwave conditions.
The dashboard included safety information from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Tasmania Fire Service, and Bureau of Meteorology. Official emergency resources and real-time tracking information were provided for residents in affected areas.
