Weekend bushfires destroyed 20 homes in NSW and 19 on Tasmania’s east coast.  

In NSW, dozens of fires hit parts of Woy Woy and Phegans Bay, and a government disaster declaration was made.

Sixteen homes were lost in the Central Coast suburb of Koolewong and four in the Bulahdelah area, where a firefighter was killed yesterday by a falling tree.

There were 60 fires burning across the state this morning, with nine uncontained. An evacuation centre was set up at Gosford RSL.

“Conditions were extremely challenging,” federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said. “Bushfires like this are very distressing and my thoughts are with everyone that has been impacted.”

Six NSW local government areas have been declared natural disaster zones, enabling support under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements: Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo. 

On the east coast of Tasmania, the fire service confirmed the destruction of 19 homes in Dolphin Sands, which overlooks the Freycinet Peninsula.

Another 14 were damaged, and almost 200 assets were affected, including vehicles, sheds, water tanks, car ports, garages and electricity infrastructure.  

Tasmanian incident controller Michael Goldsmith said today the fire is contained but conditions remain hazardous, with a severe weather warning in place and damaging wind gusts of 100km/h possible.

“There are still hazardous trees, damaged infrastructure and debris that could cause serious harm,” he said. “Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.”

An evacuation centre remains open at Swansea Town Hall, and a recovery centre has been opened at the town’s Old Courthouse, where RACT and Suncorp have representatives.  

“My thoughts are with everyone impacted ... There has been significant property loss,” RACT CEO Mark Mugnaioni said. “I encourage us all to take time to review emergency preparedness plans.”

The Insurance Council of Australia said today that insurers have received 24 claims in NSW and 12 in Tasmania.

IAG says it has mobilised resources to support customers in NSW. Its claims teams are arranging temporary accommodation, and partner builders and assessors are examining properties.

“We understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we’re here to provide immediate support to help customers get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said EGM of claims Luke Gallagher, who was in Koolewong.