Narraweena, Australia - September 21, 2024

As the sun sets over the Northern Beaches, a different kind of night is unfolding for residents near Oxford Falls and Cromer Heights. The Meatworks Fire, which has been fiercely burning through parts of the Northern Beaches Local Government Area, shows no signs of abating, prompting intense firefighting efforts and heightened community vigilance.

Firefighters, battling the blaze that has already scorched acres of bushland, are set to implement a strategic backburning operation overnight. This pre-emptive measure will take place behind properties along Oxford Falls Road, Lady Penrhyn Drive, Willandra Drive, Maybrook Avenue, and Pinduro Place. Backburning, a technique where firefighters deliberately light fires to consume flammable material in the fire's path, is crucial for creating firebreaks and slowing the advance of the main fire front.

Residents in these areas have been warned to expect significant smoke, which can impact visibility and air quality. The operation, while necessary, means a tense night for those in the vicinity, as they brace for the potential of stray embers from both the intentional backburns and the uncontrolled fire.

Elsewhere, the battle against the fire continues unabated near Cromer Heights. The fire's proximity to residential areas in Narraweena and Cromer has put locals on high alert, with authorities advising that an ember attack is likely. Embers, carried by wind, can ignite new fires far ahead of the main fire front, posing a significant threat to homes and properties.