The community is still reeling after a devastating bushfire destroyed 16 homes and damaged a further nine at Koolewong on Saturday, December 6.

Specialist fire investigators continue to look into the blaze as fire crews remain on the ground making the area safe and ensuring remaining trees are structurally sound.

News of the fire first broke at around 1pm on Saturday at which time four homes had been lost, with reports of more homes destroyed surfacing during the afternoon and early evening and the fire jumping Woy Woy Bay due to a northerly wind and putting homes at Phegans Bay and nearby suburbs at risk.

A downpour of rain at around 7.30pm, along with a reduction in wind, gave a blessed reprieve to firefighters and residents but concerns remained that more fires would flare up with 103 hectares burnt at that stage.

A spokesperson for the Rural Fire Service said there were around 250 firefighters on the scene at the height of the blaze, along with multiple aircraft, and although the fire was declared contained on Tuesday afternoon, crews would remain on site in coming days. 

A containment declaration confirmed the fire was no longer directly impacting on properties, but smouldering material and hot spots could still remain, she said.

A Natural Disaster declaration was issued on Sunday morning, unlocking a range of State and Federal Government support measures for affected residents, local businesses and Central Coast Council.

NSW Minister for the Central Coast David Harris made the announcement at midday, confirming that those whose homes have been damaged may be eligible for immediate financial assistance, as well as support for clean-up, rebuilding and long-term recovery.

The assistance available to impacted communities includes: support for eligible residents to meet immediate needs such as emergency accommodation and essential items; grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace essential household items lost in the fires and maintain a basic standard of living; grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to make their homes safe and habitable; and assistance for Central Coast Council to remove debris and restore essential public infrastructure.

Community members who have been impacted are encouraged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit service.nsw.gov.au for detailed information.

The most effective way to support those affected is through GIVIT, the official disaster relief partner.

A dedicated Koolewong donation portal has been set up.

Brisbane Water Police District has established Strike Force Inola, supported by the State Crime Command’s Arson Squad, Forensic Evidence Technical Support Command, and specialists from the NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW, to investigate the cause and origin of the fire on behalf of the State Coroner.

As at Wednesday, December 10, investigators had determined that while the fire is likely to have originated in bushland on Nimbin Ave, the cause remains undetermined at this stage.

Forensic examinations at the point of origin have not identified any evidence suggesting the use of ignitable liquids or a deliberate act.

Examinations also indicate the likely cause of a fire near Koolewong Railway Station was a spot fire from the original fire in bushland on Nimbin Ave.

Investigators continue to collect and review CCTV footage and recordings, and conduct inquiries with affected homeowners and witnesses.

As part of those inquiries, a secure community portal has been established for members of the public to upload any relevant footage.

If you have footage that may assist, please upload it directly via the Evidence Request portal: nswpf.au.evidence.com/ axon/community-request/ public/koolewongbushfire.

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna acknowledged the heroic efforts of emergency service personnel and volunteers who “went above and beyond during an extraordinarily difficult time”.

In a Mayoral Minute submitted to the December 9 Council meeting he extended sincere thanks to Gosford RSL Club for establishing an emergency evacuation centre and supporting those in crisis.

“I am deeply grateful to the many Central Coast residents who have offered donations and practical assistance; your generosity and community spirit reflect the very best of our region,” Cr McKinna said.

“I also appreciate the support of NSW Premier Chris Minns, who visited our region on Sunday to express his concern and solidarity with the community.

“We are now entering the recovery phase, with preparations underway for handover to the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

“Council will work closely with residents who have lost homes and other structures to ensure rebuilding and demolition processes are as streamlined as possible.”

Cr McKinna warned that with Summer only just beginning, the region may be facing a challenging bushfire season and encouraged all residents in fire-prone areas to ensure their bush fire survival plan is up to date.

This article appeared in Coast Community News, 11 December 2025.
Related story: Appeals launched to help victims