Residents of a NSW suburb have been urged to evacuate after an out-of-control truck fire leapt into bushland.
The truck burst into flames on the M1 Pacific Motorway near Cameron Park in NSW’s Hunter Region on Thursday afternoon.
Parts of the motorway were shut down near Newcastle, with an emergency alert issued and residents urged to evacuate if they are not prepared.
“A fire is burning in the vicinity of the Pacific Motorway, near Cameron Park, 16km west of Newcastle,” the warning read.
“Residents in the vicinity of West Wallsend, if you are not prepared or your plan is to leave, leave now if the path is clear towards Cameron Park. Leaving at the last minute is deadly. Leaving now is the safest option.”
It’s understood the flames from the truck fire leapt into nearby bushland, with a bushfire now burning east of the motorway on both sides of O’Donnelltown Road in the vicinity of Boundary Road.
The fire is out of control, burning in a northerly direction towards Cemetery Road and in a Southerly direction towards Fairley Road.
“Embers may be blown ahead of the main fire front,” NSW Rural Fire Service said.
“These may start spot fires which may threaten your home earlier than the main fire front.”
Again, the service reiterated: “If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave now towards Cameron Park.”
Firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
All southbound lanes and one northbound lane are closed at West Wallsend.
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Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Southbound diversions are open at Newcastle Link Road, Cameron Park Drive, George Booth Drive, Main Road, Frederick Street, TC Firth Avenue, Five Islands Road, Cary Street and Palmers Road to rejoin M1 Pacific Motorway.
The driver of the truck escaped without injury, emergency services confirmed.
