Australia: State of emergency declared amid 'catastrophic' bushfires

Australian authorities declared a state of emergency in Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) as the eastern region hit by ferocious bushfires prepared for ‘catastrophic’ conditions. The fire killed three people and destroyed more than 150 homes in NSW and Queensland since Friday. 

Advisory for the residents

Though a dip in temperature came as a reprieve for firefighters and residents, several fires remained out of control with more than 100 blazes still alive. Bureau of Meteorology, in its forecast, warned that hot, dry and gusty winds will generate very dangerous fire conditions across large parts of the state on November 12. Authorities advised the residents of affected zones to avoid fire-prone areas saying a large town or city, shopping centres or facilities well away from bushland areas may be a safer area. 

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Worse than the original forecast

The NSW Rural Fire Service stated that Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter and Illawarra Shoalhaven areas are under catastrophic fire danger due to worsening weather conditions. It is expected that the fire danger will be worse than the original forecast and that’s why the fire level has been changed to 'catastrophic', which is the highest level of bush fire danger. Lives and homes will be at risk during catastrophic fire conditions as homes are not designed to withstand such conditions, said the Rural Fire Service in a statement.

Read: Australians Warned Worst Bushfires May Be Yet To Come

Ban on outdoor fires

A statewide total fire ban has been declared for all areas of NSW for all of Monday and Tuesday while a state of fire emergency has been declared across 42 Local Government Areas in Queensland until revoked. Such a declaration prohibits the lighting of all types of outdoor fires and bans certain activities that can cause fires to ignite.

"We're experiencing tinder box-like conditions across much of the state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days," said Mike Wassing, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Acting Commissioner. "This declaration is vital to prevent bushfires breaking out and posing a danger to lives and property," he added.

Read: Australia: Three People Dead, 150 Houses Destroyed In Bushfires

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