A 48-hectare bushfire in Redhead, located in Lake Macquarie, has intensified following a shift in the southerly winds that moved further up the New South Wales coast overnight.

Fire crews are actively working along Redhead Road and Oakdale Road to curb the advance of the uncontrolled blaze, which is currently spreading northward.

Officials have alerted residents in Dudley, Whitebridge, and Gateshead to stay informed about the situation and maintain heightened vigilance as the fire continues its progress.

Although the region is experiencing cooler temperatures today compared to the nearly 38-degree Celsius heat of the previous day, strong wind gusts exceeding 40 km/h are complicating firefighting efforts.

The alert level for locals has been elevated to “watch and act,” with some residents ready to evacuate if necessary.

Koolewong fire level downgraded

The fire at Koolewong, between Gosford and Woy Woy, has been downgraded to an a advice level after it razed over 120-hectares and destroyed 12 homes.

Close to 150 firefighters remain on the ground today fighting 76 fires that are still burning, as 40km/h wind gusts and hot conditions threaten to worsen conditions.

The NSW Rural Fire Service has warned that south to south easterly winds are forecast for today, which could push smoke and embers north.

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin earlier warned that “erratic” winds could blow dangerous embers outside the fire zone.

The high winds yesterday caused embers to jump over a one-kilometre stretch of water near Woy Woy.

“Embers can travel over great distances,” Curtin said.

“They can create fires well ahead of the main fire.”

An exclusion zone remains in place for the locality of Koolewong.

An advice level is in place for the mid-coast LGA of Bulladelah and the Upper Hunter LGA in Milsons Gully.

Of the 76 fires still burning on the Central Coast, more than 20 are still uncontained.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said more than 12 homes have been destroyed during an “incredibly difficult” 24-hour period, however, that number could grow.

Minns said “scores” of people have needed emergency accommodation, including at the Gosford RSL which has remained open for the past 24 hours.

“As difficult and horrible and unexpected as the last 24 hours have been, they were prepared for this to happen and to get as much as they could in the car and evacuate in time,” Minns said.

The premier said it was important to note nobody has lost their life in the fires.

He urged residents to listen to emergency services and to remain vigilant as the conditions could worsen.

Natural disaster declared

A natural disaster declaration has been issued for six local government areas after the bushfires destroyed or damaged a dozen homes.

Disaster support will be offered for impacted residents on the NSW Central Coast, Mid Coast, in the Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo.

“Bushfires like this are very distressing and my thoughts are with everyone that has been impacted,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.

“Conditions yesterday were extremely challenging and I’d like to thank all our emergency services, crews are fighting fires and keeping our communities safe.

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to get support to communities impacted by these bushfires as quickly as possible.”

The disaster assistance includes emergency accommodation, grants, loans and other financial support.