A power outage which affected the whole of the Lismore area today was the result of a bushfire at Busbys Flat, about an hour away from Lismore in Richmond Valley.

Areas toward the coast and inland were also affected by the power outage.

“Earlier this afternoon TransGrid’s transmission lines south of Lismore were affected by a bushfire near Busbys Flat and the lines were suspended from service for safety reasons,” a TransGrid company spokesperson said.

“The lines have been returned to service and TransGrid is working closely with Essential Energy to restore electricity supply as quickly as possible.

“TransGrid is also liaising with the Rural Fire Service to monitor the ongoing status of fires.”

The power outage hit the Lismore region this afternoon at approximately 4pm, cutting off electricity supply to all households.

Tonight, areas near Nymboida and Washpool are still without electricity, according to Essential Energy’s website.

The bush fire burning at Busbys Flat, Wyan, Myrtle Creek and Rappville has burned more than 11800 hectares and is out of control, according to the NSW Rural Fire Service’s website.

“The fire is moving quickly in an easterly direction and has crossed the Summerland Way and is currently impacting Duke Road, West Bungawalbin,” the NSW RFS reported.

“This fire is very dangerous and is spreading quickly.

“There are reports of a number of homes or buildings being destroyed by the fire in the Rappville area.

“Under strong winds, embers are being blown ahead of the fire front, creating spot fires. These spot fires are threatening property earlier than the main fire front arrives.

“Embers blown ahead of the Long Gully Road Fire have started spot fires just to the south of this fire in the area of Busbys Road, Wyan.

“If you are in the path of the fire you are at risk.

“A forecast wind change over the next few hours may see the fire moving in a more northerly direction.”