NSW fires: arson squad investigating whether bushfire that destroyed 16 homes was deliberately lit | Bushfires

Arson squad and forensic officers are investigating the cause of a bushfire that destroyed 16 homes on the New South Wales Central Coast on the weekend.

Fanned by high temperatures and strong winds, the out-of-control blaze swept across Koolewong on Saturday afternoon, with the flames at one point jumping a stretch of water 1km wide.

On Tuesday morning, NSW police confirmed crime scenes had been established at houses and dwellings on Nimbin Avenue, Glenrock Parade and John Street in Koolewong.

The Rural Fire Services (RFS) commissioner, Trent Curtin, said it was still unclear how the Koolewong fire started.

“We don’t want to speculate at this stage as to what the cause might be. There are many things that it may be,” Curtin said on ABC radio.

The national broadcaster reported an officer was photographed at the scene carrying a clear plastic evidence bag containing a red jerry can.

NSW police said investigations at the “active crime scenes” had been suspended due to “safety concerns” with structural engineers now engaged.

“Investigations are anticipated to recommence once the area has been declared safe by authorities,” a spokesperson said.

“As investigations remain ongoing, the NSW police force, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Rural Fire Service will continue operations in the area for the foreseeable future.”

Central Coast council said it was unable to comment, given the police investigation was ongoing.

Another four homes were destroyed in a bushfire at Bulahdelah on the mid-north coast on the weekend. In Tasmania, 19 homes were lost in Dolphin Sands.

The Tasmania Fire Service issued fresh “watch and act” advice for Dolphin Sands on Tuesday before midday.

“Although there is no immediate danger from bushfire, residents need to monitor conditions and be alert for any changes,” the service stated.

Firefighters in NSW were continuing to contain the bushfire south of Buladelah on both sides of the Pacific Highway that had burned more than 4,600 hectares.

The blaze, at advice level, was burning in the Myall Lakes national park between Crawford River and Nerong.

The RFS had urged the small community of Nerong to prepare to evacuate on Monday evening but back-burning overnight was successful.

On Tuesday morning, the RFS was working to put out spot fires in the area, assisted by water-bombing helicopters.

Tracy, who owns a holiday home opposite the national park in Nerong, was up until 2am watching for embers on her property. She arrived in town four days ago to prepare.

“We had bins set out the front full of water, with buckets on them, because if we lost power, we had no way of protecting our homes,” she said on Tuesday.

“Fire and rescue were here all the way along the street [last night] and the brigades were all through the bush.

“I was definitely feeling nervous yesterday, but as soon as all the crews turned up … they took over, and we just watched for embers on our houses.”

With hot and dry conditions expected for the rest of the day, the RFS was urging communities at Bombah Point Road, Crawford River and the Branch to monitor conditions.

Bushfire smoke had impacted air quality down through the Central Coast to Sydney.

On Tuesday morning, air quality in the Lower Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast regions was poor, according to government monitoring. Air quality in both western Sydney and the eastern suburbs was fair.