Three Confirmed Dead As Bushfires Continue To Rage Across NSW And Queensland
Firefighters continue to battle blazes across both states.
Bushfires in parts of New South Wales and Queensland continue to rage over the weekend, with three people confirmed dead in the NSW blazes.
According to the NSW Rural Fire Service, the fire danger on Tuesday is expected to be severe, from the Queensland border to the south coast and across the Central West, including Sydney. Weather conditions are forecast to be hot and windy, with temperatures possibly reaching the mid-30s.
The RFS write that the fires already burning on the north coast and in northern NSW won’t be contained in time. As of 10.30am on Sunday, over 70 bushfires are still burning across New South Wales, half of which are yet to be control.
The RFS advise people in the affected areas to monitor fire conditions over the next few days, staying up to date on fires in your area, and to prepare a bushfire survival plan now.
In Queensland, a State of Fire Emergency has been declared across much of the state, including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa and Rockhampton. The declaration prohibits the lighting of outdoor fires, as well as activities that may start a fire, including setting off fireworks or the use of power tools outside.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Mike Wassing says the state of emergency gives firies the authority to use private sector resources to help with firefighting efforts. He also says that the penalties for breaching the declaration are serious – fines of up to $3,336 or two years jail.
“Our crews are doing a fantastic job protecting lives and property,” he says, “and we ask that Queenslanders continue to do their part to prevent fires starting and spreading.
“Everyone should have a bushfire survival plan and know what they are going to do if a fire approaches.”
The ABC writes that almost 5000 homes have been evacuated in Queensland over the last two days, with one lost. In New South Wales, more than 150 homes have been destroyed.
For detailed bushfire information, read the ABC’s live blog, and follow the NSW Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on Facebook.