A devastating bushfire near Kurri Kurri, NSW, has finally been contained after raging for three days and charring over 840 hectares. The flames destroyed five homes, eleven homes damaged and one business destroyed, leaving a trail of destruction and heartache in their wake. Thankfully, no lives were lost or serious injuries sustained.
Firefighters battled tirelessly over the past few days, eventually bringing the blaze under control late yesterdayl. Now, the focus shifts to recovery and rebuilding for the battered Abermain/Weston communities.
Residents are assessing the damage, surveying the charred remains of their homes and businesses. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but amidst the hardship, there are glimmers of hope and resilience.
Neighbors have rallied to support those who lost everything, offering shelter, food, and words of comfort. Local businesses and residents have stepped up with donations of essential supplies, and various GoFund me pages have been setup to help those who lost everything.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation by RFS Inspectors, but natural causes such as lighting strikes have been ruled out, which leaves carless and reckless behaviour such as a discarded cigarette or Arson. The Cessnock LGA has seen an unprecedented amount of Bushfires this season and Arson has been behind 3 fires with two men arrested and charged and two more suspicious fires that no one has been held accountable for as yet.
Just hours after the Fire had been contained, Abermain Fire and Rescue and Neath RFS were back in action, this time it they were tasked with driving Santa and the Grinch around town to spread some Christmas cheers and help lift community spirits after a very few tough days.
MHV NEWS would like to thank every single first responders who answered the call and the community who has come together to donate thousands of dollars and items to those who have been affected by the fire.
