Firefighters have put out a fire in dunes at Warilla beach on Friday afternoon, as authorities warn of very high fire danger this weekend.
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Two Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Shellharbour were called to an area of bush alight off Osborne Parade at 3.15pm.
The fire, which was about 30 metres by 30 metres in size, was extinguished at 3.43pm.
Crews remained on the scene mopping up.
Switchboard fire at Port Kembla steelworks
Meanwhile, a fire at BlueScope Steel’s Port Kembla steelworks has also been extinguished.
A FRNSW spokeswoman said crews from Wollongong and Warrawong responded to a report of an “active fire” at the steelworks just before 3.30pm.
The fire, located in a switchboard, was put out prior to firefighters arriving.
One FRNSW crew donned breathing gear and used a gas detector to render the area safe, before the site was handed over to staff.
Severe fire danger forecast
Both fires came on a day of very high fire danger across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
Very high fire danger is again forecast in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven on Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach 29 degrees in Wollongong and 33 degrees at Albion Park.
The Illawarra/Shoalhaven fire zone covers the Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly council areas
Temperatures on Sunday will climb to 28 degrees in Wollongong and 31 inland.
Braidwood fire seen from Nowra, Batemans Bay
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) says smoke from a fire burning near Braidwood can be seen from as far afield as Nowra and Batemans Bay.
The bushfire – off Nerriga Road, about 15km north of Braidwood – is currently out of control, but listed as being at advice level.
Lifesavers prepare for hot, busy weekend
The weekend warmth has prompted a plea from surf lifesavers for people to take care in the water.
There have been 23 fatalities at NSW beaches since July, with 13 deaths recorded since the beginning of December – a 44 per cent jump on the same period last year.
Matt du Plessis, from Surf Life Saving NSW, urged people to swim between the flags at a patrolled location, and to understand how to spot and survive a rip.
“Lifesavers and lifeguards are out in force but we need the public to take some responsibility for their own safety,” Mr du Plessis said.
“Sadly the tragic incidents we have witnessed through December and early January are a tragic reminder of the power of the ocean.”
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
