An automated text message was sent by the RFS at 4.02pm that informed residents there were multiple fires in the Kurri Kurri area, that there was an “immediate danger” and people should “seek shelter”.

Residents contacted The Mercury and took to social media to express confusion about the text, specifically the “seek shelter” part.

One woman said she did not understand exactly what the message meant.

“Whether it meant to stay put and stay inside or evacuate and get out,” she said.

“I noticed an influx of posts on Facebook of people asking what their texts meant or what they should do.”

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison also received the message and said she was “keen to find out how the emergency system is working”.

NSW RFS spokesperson Paul Best advised that the message urged people to seek shelter in place, rather than flee their home.

“Go inside, close windows, stay away from radiant heat,” Mr Best said. 

“Don’t get out on the road, don’t make a run for it.”

Radiant heat is a major concern for the fire service, as it can cause major injury and death without direct flame contact.

Mr Best said no messages were sent by the RFS telling people to evacuate.

There are two methods of delivery of the text message. One is address-based, where messages are sent to phone numbers attached to specific billing addresses.

The other, which was used on Wednesday, is location-based, with texts sent to all phones picked up by cell towers in specific areas.

The text message is just one of the ways the RFS attempts to inform residents of fires, with social media and mainstream media also used to spread the message.

Mr Best said the text message service was particularly valuable with fast-moving fires when firefighters weren’t able to go door-to-door.

The text was developed in response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. It was introduced to Telstra customers in 2012 and all mobile services were added by 2013.