2 firefighters die, 3 hurt as wildfires ravage Australia

Two volunteer firefighters died Thursday while battling wildfires ravaging Australia’s most populous state, forcing Prime Minister Scott Morrison to cut short his family holiday as authorities braced for temperatures to soar in New South Wales at weekend.

Geoffrey Keaton, 32, and Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, were in a truck convoy fighting blazes southwest of Sydney when a tree fell and caused vehicle to roll off ro. two men, both fars to 19-month-old children, died at scene while three or firefighters were injured and taken to a hospital.

New South Wales Premier Glys Berejiklian said injured firefighters were in stable condition.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons spent night consoling families of victims.

“To t be coming home after ir shift is tremendous grief and I applaud families and loved ones for ir remarkable comprehension of what’s been unfolding,” he told reporters.

“Both of se men were very well respected, y were very close, y’re a close-knit brige, y’re a very community-focused brige, work toger, socialize toger, y’re very interactive toger.”

Morrison said two firefighters were “bravely defending ir communities with an unmatched spirit and a dedication that will forever set m apart amongst our most courous Australians”.

“ir sacrifice and service saving lives and saving properties will be forever remembered. I wish those injured all best in ir recovery,” he ded.

Rural Fire Service said up to 40 houses could be destroyed southwest of Sydney.

Cooler conditions provided desperately needed relief Friday, but scorching temperatures are forecast at weekend with Sydney’s western suburbs tipped to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

New South Wales declared a seven-day state of emergency Thursday as around 2,000 firefighters battle 100 wildfires across state. Around 3 million hectares (7.4 million acres) of land has burnt nationwide during a torrid past few months, with six people killed and more than 800 homes destroyed.

annual Australian fire season, which peaks during Sourn Hemisphere summer, started early after an unusually warm and dry winter.

Bureau of Meteorology said Wednesday was hottest day on record in Australia with an aver of 41.9 Celsius (107.4 F), beating landmark set a day earlier by one degree.

elaide, in souast, is currently in midst of a heatwave peaking at a sizzling 46 Celsius (115 F) on Friday, while Melbourne was forecast at 44 Celsius (111 F), which would be Victoria state capital’s hottest since devastating Black Saturday wildfires in 2009.

Melbourne on Friday was shrouded in smoke wafting from New South Wales wildfires much like haze that has often blanketed Sydney during past month, making its iconic skyline barely visible.

unprecedented conditions have reignited debate on wher Australia’s conservative government has taken eugh action on climate change. Australia is world’s largest exporter of coal and liquefied natural gas.

Protesters on Thursday camped outside Morrison’s Sydney residence demanding urgent action on climate change.

Morrison has copped criticism for going on a family holiday in Hawaii during wildfires crisis but said he would cut short his vacation and return to Sydney on Saturday.

“I deeply regret any offence caused to any of many Australians affected by terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time,” Morrison said. “I have been receiving regular updates on bushfires disaster as well as status of search for and treatment of victims of White Island trdy.”