the New South Wales rural fire service has issued an emergency warning for a fire near Newcastle in the hunter region the warning released at 3:20 p.m. indicates that a bush fire is burning near Tomo and residents in the area are advised to seek shelter immediately as it is too late to evacuate the fire is located approximately 3 km south of heatherb and is moving East towards too road so far it has burned through 9 hectares and remains uncontrolled people near Tomo Road and westr drive should find shelter now to protect themselves from the approaching fire in Victoria severe weather warnings are in effect due to damaging winds affecting a large area from warble in the southwest to the eastern border with New South Wales residents are urged to stay alert and take precautions in a separate legal matter Britney Higgins lawyer Rachel Young is presenting closing arguments in a defamation case against Senator Linda Reynolds young claims that Reynolds attempted to silence sexual assault victims through her actions and statements she highlighted a social media post from Higgins in 2023 which accused Reynolds of trying to suppress victim's voices young also pointed out inconsistencies in the testimonies of Reynolds and her partner suggesting they were designed to minimize their involvement in the case the court has heard that Reynolds was aware of Higgin struggles following the alleged assault and failed to provide adequate support young emphasized that Reynold's claim of not being a counselor does not absolve her of responsibility as Higgins employer the trial continues as both sides present their arguments fast news is the first channel to bring you breaking news in real time Subs