Live: NSW Now: Bushfire threat eases, juveniles charged over riot
Updated
Here’s what you need to know this morning.
Fire near Newcastle downgraded
A bushfire that threatened homes last night in Belmont, south of Newcastle, has been brought under control and downgraded to advice level.
The blaze, which broke out in wetlands just before 6.00pm, was fanned by strong winds of up to 60 kilometres an hour.
At around 10.00pm the winds eased and surrounding homes were spared.
The cause of the fire of is not yet known.
About 30 firefighters remain on the scene.
Juveniles charged over Kariong riot
Nine young detainees from a Central Coast juvenile detention centre in Kariong have been charged with affray, malicious damage and assaulting an officer after a riot in June.
Detainees at the Frank Baxter Centre staged a 21-hour riot in which they stole chainsaws and garden tools, armed themselves with metal poles and refused to come off the centre’s roof.
Damage in excess of $80,000 was done to the roof cavity, light fittings, walls and furniture, police said.
The juveniles, aged between 15 and 18, will face children’s court on September 27.
Mascot engineers blame precinct development
Engineers looking into what caused the Mascot Towers building to crack are focusing on construction and development in the nearby area.
Residents of the building were forced out of their homes two months ago when the building was deemed structurally unsafe.
Owners last night voted to raise $7 million in special levies to repair the 132-unit building.
A spokesman for the owners corporation Patrick McGuire said it was hoped that some residents would be able to return home soon.
Replica guns seized from field day
A man will front court today accused of selling prohibited replica firearms at an Agricultural Field day in northern NSW.
Police arrested the 43-year-old man at Ag Quip in Gunnedah and charged him with offences including unregistered gun possession and carrying on activities of a firearms dealer without being licensed.
Police will alleged they seized more than 100 weapons from the stall at the field day.
Oxley Police District Chief Inspector Jeff Budd said people may have purchased the objects without knowing they were illegal.
Friday’s weather
Sunny. Patches of light morning frost in the outer west.
| Min. | Max. | |
|---|---|---|
| CBD | 7 | 19 |
| Parramatta | 4 | 20 |
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