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Australia fires and weather live: NSW and Victoria bushfires expected to flare amid extreme conditions – latest updates Australia fires and weather live: NSW and Victoria bushfires expected to flare amid extreme conditions – latest updates
(32 minutes later)
Exhausted firefighters on Kangaroo Island continue to battle blazes while there are fears bushfires could merge in NSW and Victoria. Follow the latest news and live updatesExhausted firefighters on Kangaroo Island continue to battle blazes while there are fears bushfires could merge in NSW and Victoria. Follow the latest news and live updates
The Eyre Highway has reopened after being closed for 12 days due to a bushfire, allowing travellers and road freight to get through to Perth.
The WA department of fire and emergency services opened the road at 7am local time in response to a calming of fire activity in the Dundas fire, which has been “moderated due to cooler temperatures, reduced wind speeds and higher relative humidity.”
The alert read: “the Eyre Highway and the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway have now reopened. Some speed restrictions are in place and it is anticipated a large number of vehicles could be on the roads, so motorists are urged to drive with care and ensure they have adequate fuel, food and water.
The highway has been closed since 30 December. It is the main road into WA from the Eastern States — the only other sealed road is the Victoria Highway, which goes from Darwin to Kununurra at the northern end of the continent — and it’s also the main freight route.
Supermarkets Coles and Woolworths both said in statements yesterday that they were experiencing some stock shortages due to the road closure. Dozens of truck drivers and tourists have been stuck at the Caiguna roadhouse, on the eastern edge of the road closure, for a fortnight.
Toilet paper had to be helicoptered in, and the roadhouse was running low on water, which it generates through desalination.
The Eyre Highway runs from Norseman to Port Augusta. The Coolgardie-Esperance Highway also runs through Norseman, and forms part of the route from Perth to Adelaide.
Morrison is speaking in Canberra on the bushfires, after addressing what he says was a “terrible accident”, that saw a Ukrainian aircraft shot down in Iran.
On the fires, Morrison says conditions remain “severe and extreme”, and he has advised the Australian Defence Force to stand ready to assist.
“What I’ve said in my briefings this morning with the ADF is I’ve given them very clear instructions that they are to stand ready to move and support immediately,” Morrison said.
He reports on the work the ADF has been undertaking, including help with the burying of dead livestock.
“That will be of great relief I think to those farmers and graziers for whom the disposal of their stock and the stock losses is a very difficult issue for them,” Morrison said.
“The other part of the work and effort that is being undertaken by the ADF is in the engineering side of works, clearing roads, working with local authorities to establish contact with isolated communities but that will come under threat again today.
“So, having put the Defence Forces in a position to move quickly in the event of a fire activity today, they will move and ensure that they can provide that support as swiftly as they can, but again working in concert with local state and territory authorities.”
More from that 2GB interview with Morrison, via AAP:More from that 2GB interview with Morrison, via AAP:
Scott Morrison says any national inquiry into the bushfires needs to be wide-ranging and examine what impact climate change has had on the crisis.Scott Morrison says any national inquiry into the bushfires needs to be wide-ranging and examine what impact climate change has had on the crisis.
The prime minister is weighing up calling a royal commission into the disaster, which would also look at hazard reduction burns and national coordination.The prime minister is weighing up calling a royal commission into the disaster, which would also look at hazard reduction burns and national coordination.
“I think Australians, because of the scale of this particular disaster, will be looking for something more holistic,” he told 2GB radio on Friday.“I think Australians, because of the scale of this particular disaster, will be looking for something more holistic,” he told 2GB radio on Friday.
“That’s not the focus right now - today there are severe and extreme fire forecasts in Victoria and NSW - but down the track, that’s what premiers and I am sure will discuss.” “That’s not the focus right now – today there are severe and extreme fire forecasts in Victoria and NSW – but down the track, that’s what premiers and I am sure will discuss.”
But while the prime minister acknowledges there is an appetite to examine the impacts of climate change on the bushfires, he will not consider a stronger commitment to carbon emission reductions.But while the prime minister acknowledges there is an appetite to examine the impacts of climate change on the bushfires, he will not consider a stronger commitment to carbon emission reductions.
The federal government has committed at least $2 billion towards the recovery effort. The federal government has committed at least $2bn towards the recovery effort.
The latest element of its response package was immediate cash payments of $1 million for dozens of councils hardest hit by the fires. The latest element of its response package was immediate cash payments of $1m for dozens of councils hardest hit by the fires.
A comprehensive mental health plan is expected to be announced in coming days, along with assistance for bushfire-ravaged small businesses.A comprehensive mental health plan is expected to be announced in coming days, along with assistance for bushfire-ravaged small businesses.
From AAP:From AAP:
The escalating bushfire emergency across Kangaroo Island has cut power to more properties.The escalating bushfire emergency across Kangaroo Island has cut power to more properties.
SA Power Networks says about 850 are now without electricity following a fire-related outage on the main supply line to the west of the Island overnight on Thursday.SA Power Networks says about 850 are now without electricity following a fire-related outage on the main supply line to the west of the Island overnight on Thursday.
The main supply powerline runs through the firegrounds near Parndana from Kingscote and goes on to supply western parts of the island.The main supply powerline runs through the firegrounds near Parndana from Kingscote and goes on to supply western parts of the island.
SA Power Networks said its crews were not able to work on Thursday due to fire escalation and would await advice from the Country Fire Service before going onto the fireground on Friday.SA Power Networks said its crews were not able to work on Thursday due to fire escalation and would await advice from the Country Fire Service before going onto the fireground on Friday.
“Our focus has been community and crew safety in fast-changing and dangerous bushfire circumstances and today, given the threat to Kingscote, we have moved crews and equipment to Penneshaw to ensure their safety and our ability to mobilise all our resources once the bushfire situation eases,” a spokesman said.“Our focus has been community and crew safety in fast-changing and dangerous bushfire circumstances and today, given the threat to Kingscote, we have moved crews and equipment to Penneshaw to ensure their safety and our ability to mobilise all our resources once the bushfire situation eases,” a spokesman said.
“The additional damage and continuing fire situation will further delay our efforts to restore power to those who can be reconnected.”“The additional damage and continuing fire situation will further delay our efforts to restore power to those who can be reconnected.”
Water supplies are also a concern for the island with major damage earlier to a water treatment plant near Penneshaw.Water supplies are also a concern for the island with major damage earlier to a water treatment plant near Penneshaw.
Army personnel and SA Water crews tried to get to the plant on Thursday but were unable to make it.Army personnel and SA Water crews tried to get to the plant on Thursday but were unable to make it.
The army has set up a portable treatment plant but islanders continue to be urged to keep water use to essential needs only.The army has set up a portable treatment plant but islanders continue to be urged to keep water use to essential needs only.
Luke Henriques-Gomes has checked in with the people in the Victorian town of Mallacoota.Luke Henriques-Gomes has checked in with the people in the Victorian town of Mallacoota.
Read Luke’s full feature here.Read Luke’s full feature here.
NSW Police have released some details about the helicopter crash yesterday.NSW Police have released some details about the helicopter crash yesterday.
The pilot was conducting aerial waterbombing of fires around Bega and Eden when it crashed into a dam in Boydtown. He’d been refilling a water bucket in the Ben Boyd Reservoir about 4.20pm when the helicopter lost power and “came to rest” in the dam.The pilot was conducting aerial waterbombing of fires around Bega and Eden when it crashed into a dam in Boydtown. He’d been refilling a water bucket in the Ben Boyd Reservoir about 4.20pm when the helicopter lost power and “came to rest” in the dam.
The 47-year-old pilot was able to free himself from the aircraft and make his way to shore,” police said.The 47-year-old pilot was able to free himself from the aircraft and make his way to shore,” police said.
“He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for shoulder, back and ankle injuries, before being taken to South East Regional Hospital in a stable condition.”“He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for shoulder, back and ankle injuries, before being taken to South East Regional Hospital in a stable condition.”
The dam is closed as a drinking supply and a recovery operation to retrieve the helicopter will be coordinated. Inquiries are continuing.The dam is closed as a drinking supply and a recovery operation to retrieve the helicopter will be coordinated. Inquiries are continuing.
Over on 2GB, Scott Morrison has just been taken to task for doing “too much on climate change”.Over on 2GB, Scott Morrison has just been taken to task for doing “too much on climate change”.
Yes, you heard that right.Yes, you heard that right.
Host John Stanley also lambasted Morrison for not building a new coal-fired power plant.Host John Stanley also lambasted Morrison for not building a new coal-fired power plant.
“You’re aware that a lot of the people who are listening to this program, if Alan was doing the program, their view is you’re doing too much on climate change, you’re doing too much in the renewable space. And then you go around the community and you’re told you’re not doing enough, more needs to be done, you need to ramp up the reduction of emissions. Is that a fair characterisation of the debate and the debate within your own party?”“You’re aware that a lot of the people who are listening to this program, if Alan was doing the program, their view is you’re doing too much on climate change, you’re doing too much in the renewable space. And then you go around the community and you’re told you’re not doing enough, more needs to be done, you need to ramp up the reduction of emissions. Is that a fair characterisation of the debate and the debate within your own party?”
Morrison reckons that’s about right.“Oh John I think in terms of how you’ve characterised the debate nationally, I think it’s a pretty good summary. But what that means is that the policy we have is a balanced one. It’s one that understands the need to take action here ...Stanley interjects: “But that’s not going to satisfy ... the people listening here would say you’re doing too much and they would be demanding that you, for instance, move ahead with a coal-fired power station because that’s going to provide energy security for us.”Sigh.Morrison reckons that’s about right.“Oh John I think in terms of how you’ve characterised the debate nationally, I think it’s a pretty good summary. But what that means is that the policy we have is a balanced one. It’s one that understands the need to take action here ...Stanley interjects: “But that’s not going to satisfy ... the people listening here would say you’re doing too much and they would be demanding that you, for instance, move ahead with a coal-fired power station because that’s going to provide energy security for us.”Sigh.
Morrison goes on to say that the “conflation” of the bushfires and climate policy in the public debate has been “very disappointing”, because no single climate policy caused the fire.Morrison goes on to say that the “conflation” of the bushfires and climate policy in the public debate has been “very disappointing”, because no single climate policy caused the fire.
“We continue to consider our policies carefully here, and we understand we don’t want job destroying, economy destroying, economy wrecking targets and goals which won’t change the fact that there are bushfires or anything like that in Australia. The suggestion that there’s any one emissions reduction policy or climate policy that has contributed to any of these fire events is just ridiculous, the conflation of those two things I think has been very disappointing.“We continue to consider our policies carefully here, and we understand we don’t want job destroying, economy destroying, economy wrecking targets and goals which won’t change the fact that there are bushfires or anything like that in Australia. The suggestion that there’s any one emissions reduction policy or climate policy that has contributed to any of these fire events is just ridiculous, the conflation of those two things I think has been very disappointing.
Over the last few weeks, John, in particular, there has been a lot of misinformation running around, that’s been very disappointing. People have been looking to make political points in many cases, that’s disappointing.”Over the last few weeks, John, in particular, there has been a lot of misinformation running around, that’s been very disappointing. People have been looking to make political points in many cases, that’s disappointing.”
Yep. Morrison’s right. There has been a lot of misinformation around. Like, you know, the bots and trolls exaggerating the role of arson to deflect from climate change’s impact. Or the misinformation about greenies stopping hazard reduction work.Yep. Morrison’s right. There has been a lot of misinformation around. Like, you know, the bots and trolls exaggerating the role of arson to deflect from climate change’s impact. Or the misinformation about greenies stopping hazard reduction work.
Prime minister Scott Morrison was interviewed on 7.30 last night. It’s worth watching the full exchange, but this particular clip goes to the backlash he’s received, in fire-affected areas and elsewhere, and specifically asks about his apparent misspeak on Kangaroo Island in saying there had been no deaths (there have been two - Dick Lang and his son, Clayton).Prime minister Scott Morrison was interviewed on 7.30 last night. It’s worth watching the full exchange, but this particular clip goes to the backlash he’s received, in fire-affected areas and elsewhere, and specifically asks about his apparent misspeak on Kangaroo Island in saying there had been no deaths (there have been two - Dick Lang and his son, Clayton).
Morrison says he was talking about firefighters when he said that (Dick and Clayton were volunteer firefighters).Morrison says he was talking about firefighters when he said that (Dick and Clayton were volunteer firefighters).
Here is a clip of the Kangaroo Island exchange.Here is a clip of the Kangaroo Island exchange.
We’re getting an update from Kangaroo Island where the general message is: firefighters are exhausted and it’s not over yet, although conditions have improved and they’ll be working on reopening roads and restoring power.We’re getting an update from Kangaroo Island where the general message is: firefighters are exhausted and it’s not over yet, although conditions have improved and they’ll be working on reopening roads and restoring power.
Night shift were busy fighting fires and the day shift would have had trouble sleeping. An aircraft crew at Emu Bay also had to be evacuated last night.Night shift were busy fighting fires and the day shift would have had trouble sleeping. An aircraft crew at Emu Bay also had to be evacuated last night.
“Essentially everybody working on this fire not only had a big day yesterday but they had disrupted rest, and we’ve got to keep going,” says CFS incident controller Ian Tanner.“Essentially everybody working on this fire not only had a big day yesterday but they had disrupted rest, and we’ve got to keep going,” says CFS incident controller Ian Tanner.
Last night at fire-threatened Kingscote, residents fled homes and stayed in their cars near the water.Last night at fire-threatened Kingscote, residents fled homes and stayed in their cars near the water.
Fitzsimmons says the big difference today is there has been a sensible and considered response from the community in getting out so there aren’t tens of thousands of people in these towns and there’s been a lot of stocking from communities.Fitzsimmons says the big difference today is there has been a sensible and considered response from the community in getting out so there aren’t tens of thousands of people in these towns and there’s been a lot of stocking from communities.
Fitzsimmons: “Our focus today isn’t just about people and community assets, but we know we have a lot of critical assets which go to the viability and livelihoods of communities.”Fitzsimmons: “Our focus today isn’t just about people and community assets, but we know we have a lot of critical assets which go to the viability and livelihoods of communities.”
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian says she is proud of the preparedness of authorities in the state but there is no doubt that extreme conditions and extreme events have given them a lot for consideration.NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian says she is proud of the preparedness of authorities in the state but there is no doubt that extreme conditions and extreme events have given them a lot for consideration.
Asked about the various inquiries being announced or flagged, Berejiklian says the crisis goes beyond state borders but responses are run by the states and run quite differently, so it’s appropriate for each state to consider what they do.Asked about the various inquiries being announced or flagged, Berejiklian says the crisis goes beyond state borders but responses are run by the states and run quite differently, so it’s appropriate for each state to consider what they do.
“But we also have to accept that what the nation is facing goes beyond the borders of one state” and so she appreciates why there would be something at the national level as well.“But we also have to accept that what the nation is facing goes beyond the borders of one state” and so she appreciates why there would be something at the national level as well.
NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons is giving a briefing.NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons is giving a briefing.
Communities everywhere across the south of NSW are under threat, and he’s urged people to check information related to their locality.Communities everywhere across the south of NSW are under threat, and he’s urged people to check information related to their locality.
The southerly change will be vigorous and gusty, he said.The southerly change will be vigorous and gusty, he said.
Inland it will be largely from the south-west, and near the coast it will be more from the souther or south-easter.Inland it will be largely from the south-west, and near the coast it will be more from the souther or south-easter.
“Those winds will penetrate through and be dominating those firegrounds for many hours,” he says.“Those winds will penetrate through and be dominating those firegrounds for many hours,” he says.
Here are the predicted fire movements for NSW today. It obviously stops at the Victorian border despite the fire clearly spreading across both states. I’ll see if Victorian authorities produce similar maps.Here are the predicted fire movements for NSW today. It obviously stops at the Victorian border despite the fire clearly spreading across both states. I’ll see if Victorian authorities produce similar maps.
Hello and welcome to today’s coverage of the continuing bushfire crisis in Australia.Hello and welcome to today’s coverage of the continuing bushfire crisis in Australia.
Firefighters and residents have had a few days reprieve this week, with cooler conditions and even a bit of rain – although that can also hamper containment work.Firefighters and residents have had a few days reprieve this week, with cooler conditions and even a bit of rain – although that can also hamper containment work.
Unfortunately those conditions end today.Unfortunately those conditions end today.
Temperatures in the south of New South Wales and in Victoria are predicted to reach the low to mid 40s, with a late cool change bringing winds with peak gusts of up to 90km/h and possible dry lightning.Temperatures in the south of New South Wales and in Victoria are predicted to reach the low to mid 40s, with a late cool change bringing winds with peak gusts of up to 90km/h and possible dry lightning.
“These conditions will make fire behaviour erratic and dangerous,” the RFS said.“These conditions will make fire behaviour erratic and dangerous,” the RFS said.
Authorities have warned people in areas under particular threat that they should leave.Authorities have warned people in areas under particular threat that they should leave.
“If it is safe to get out, then you must get out. That is the only way to guarantee your safety,” Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews said on Thursday.“If it is safe to get out, then you must get out. That is the only way to guarantee your safety,” Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews said on Thursday.
“I know that’s a very binary message. It’s blunt. It’s not meant to impress anyone. It’s meant to be the cold facts.”“I know that’s a very binary message. It’s blunt. It’s not meant to impress anyone. It’s meant to be the cold facts.”
An emergency warning is in place in Western Australia, for a bushfire threatening lives and homes across a string of suburbs in Perth’s south. It has burned more than 300ha since it started about midday on Thursday.An emergency warning is in place in Western Australia, for a bushfire threatening lives and homes across a string of suburbs in Perth’s south. It has burned more than 300ha since it started about midday on Thursday.
The emergency warning applies across an area spanning 20km north to Casuarina.The emergency warning applies across an area spanning 20km north to Casuarina.
The ABC is reporting the Kangaroo Island town of Kingscote has been cut off, with residents stranded as South Australian firefighters battle a bushfire. It’s currently designated a watch and act, with roads closed and some residents reportedly sleeping at the water’s edge and on the town oval.The ABC is reporting the Kangaroo Island town of Kingscote has been cut off, with residents stranded as South Australian firefighters battle a bushfire. It’s currently designated a watch and act, with roads closed and some residents reportedly sleeping at the water’s edge and on the town oval.
Two other emergency warnings remained in place early on Friday, one for the area around the Kangaroo Island south coast town of Vivonne Bay and one for the central districts around Parndana.Two other emergency warnings remained in place early on Friday, one for the area around the Kangaroo Island south coast town of Vivonne Bay and one for the central districts around Parndana.