A fierce wildfire tore through the coastal town of Koolewong, north of Sydney, leaving at least 12 homes destroyed or severely damaged, authorities confirmed. The blaze comes amid a wave of scorching temperatures that have fueled scores of wildfires across New South Wales, posing a serious threat to communities and the environment.
Residents described the harrowing ordeal as a sudden and terrifying event. One local, who asked not to be named, recounted, "You had no time to even think... we've lost everything, all we've got left is what we're wearing." The emotional toll on families and neighbors is immense, as many struggle to come to terms with the destruction of their homes and personal belongings.
Aerial footage captured the scale of the disaster, showing flames consuming homes while firefighting helicopters battled to contain the inferno. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines as emergency crews work tirelessly to control the fires.