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Australia fires live: NSW and Victoria bushfires expected to flare amid extreme conditions – latest updates Australia fires 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
A message from the CFA board
The board of the CFA just issued this message in support of thousands of CFA volunteers, who have been fighting fires across the state, and interstate, for weeks.
The board was briefed at the state control centre in Melbourne this week.
Chairman Greg Smith said the board “has been impressed with the commitment of CFA members, both staff and volunteers, who are giving up their time and leaving family and work commitments to support the intensive bushfire effort”.
Smith said some volunteers had lost their own homes while protecting their communities. He said the focus would be on the welfare of volunteers and other CFA staff.
Back in Victoria now. There is also an evacuation alert and emergency warning current for an out-of-control grassfire at Combienbar in East Gippsland. It’s on the edge of the border fire.
Firefighters were pulled out of the area late yesterday, and they are attempting to get aerial support in to place today.
Back to Western Australia, WA Police have charged a 25-year-old man with arson, for allegedly lighting a bushfire in Australind, which is a beachside suburb near Bunbury, on 20 December.
The man is alleged to have deliberately set a grass fire near the Collie River and caused a fire that he was not able to control. The fire was reported by a member of the public and extinguished. The charge of wilfully light or cause to be lit a fire likely to injure or damage carries a maximum sentence of 20 years jail. The man will face court in Bunbury today.
Importantly: this does not mean that reports arson is to blame for this catastrophic bushfire season are suddenly correct. They are still not.
You can read Chris Knaus’s earlier reports about the “disinformation campaign” exaggerating the role of arson this bushfire season and there being no evidence that arson is responsible for any of the devastating fires in Victoria.
To New South Wales now. The biggest fire threat today is in the southern highlands but there are still active fires and a lot of smoke around the south coast.
Surf Life Saving NSW has released a list of beach closures.
This is the map of forecast fire spread in NSW today.
We reported yesterday that there is a risk, according to Victorian emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp, that fires burning on either side of the border near Corryong in Victoria and Dunns Road fire in NSW could join. You can see that shown in that fire spread map.
There is also a risk, Crisp said, that the Abbeyard fire could join with the East Gippsland fire, and those fires could also join a merged Corryong-Dunns Road fire.
Authorities in Victoria have issued a third evacuation alert for communities on the edges of the Abbeyard fire, which is threatening the King and Ovens Valleys in northeast Victoria.Authorities in Victoria have issued a third evacuation alert for communities on the edges of the Abbeyard fire, which is threatening the King and Ovens Valleys in northeast Victoria.
Emergency alerts for the western side of the fire — the King Valley, and Carboor and surrounds, remain in place.Emergency alerts for the western side of the fire — the King Valley, and Carboor and surrounds, remain in place.
The new evacuation alert is for the northern flank of the fire down to Harrietville, in preparation for the forecast south-westerly wind change.The new evacuation alert is for the northern flank of the fire down to Harrietville, in preparation for the forecast south-westerly wind change.
The communities listed in the new alert are: Brookside, Buckland, Buffalo Creek, Buffalo River, Dunphys Hill, Eurobin, Freeburgh, Harrietville, Merriang, Merriang South, Mount Buffalo, Salt Log, Selwyn, Smoko, Wandiligong, Buckland Junction, and Germantown.The communities listed in the new alert are: Brookside, Buckland, Buffalo Creek, Buffalo River, Dunphys Hill, Eurobin, Freeburgh, Harrietville, Merriang, Merriang South, Mount Buffalo, Salt Log, Selwyn, Smoko, Wandiligong, Buckland Junction, and Germantown.
It means that everyone within a set distance west or north of the fire has been told to leave.It means that everyone within a set distance west or north of the fire has been told to leave.
The warning is current until 3.30pm today. After that point it may be too late to leave, and authorities have warned that if people choose to stay firefighters may not be able to help them.The warning is current until 3.30pm today. After that point it may be too late to leave, and authorities have warned that if people choose to stay firefighters may not be able to help them.
There are evacuation centres set up in Wangaratta, at the performing arts centre and the showgrounds if you have animals.There are evacuation centres set up in Wangaratta, at the performing arts centre and the showgrounds if you have animals.
Let’s go to Western Australia now where a bushfire at Baldivis on the eastern fringe of Perth is burning at a watch and act level.Let’s go to Western Australia now where a bushfire at Baldivis on the eastern fringe of Perth is burning at a watch and act level.
The fire has been contained, but authorities warn that “unfavourable wind conditions” may cause it to breach those containment lines. About 180 firefighters are currently on the ground working to strengthen those containment lines.The fire has been contained, but authorities warn that “unfavourable wind conditions” may cause it to breach those containment lines. About 180 firefighters are currently on the ground working to strengthen those containment lines.
The fire was reported yesterday and has burned through 1,205ha in less than 24 hours. The cause has been listed as accidental, and reporters on the ground have identified a possible cause: a boat, found abandoned on its trailer on Karnup Road.The fire was reported yesterday and has burned through 1,205ha in less than 24 hours. The cause has been listed as accidental, and reporters on the ground have identified a possible cause: a boat, found abandoned on its trailer on Karnup Road.
This is from ABC24 reporter, James Carmody:This is from ABC24 reporter, James Carmody:
This message just came through from the UK High Commission:This message just came through from the UK High Commission:
A team of UK experts is travelling to Australia to scope how the UK can best contribute to the Australian response to the unprecedented bushfires causing devastation across the country.A team of UK experts is travelling to Australia to scope how the UK can best contribute to the Australian response to the unprecedented bushfires causing devastation across the country.
As a first step in the UK’s support for Australia, this team will include a senior member of the UK Fire and Rescue Service, a medical specialist in trauma and mental health, and a military liaison officer, specialising in crisis response.As a first step in the UK’s support for Australia, this team will include a senior member of the UK Fire and Rescue Service, a medical specialist in trauma and mental health, and a military liaison officer, specialising in crisis response.
They will work with Australian colleagues to establish what type, extent and duration of support will be of most use to the emergency responders, and ensure that such contributions are fully integrated with Australian efforts.They will work with Australian colleagues to establish what type, extent and duration of support will be of most use to the emergency responders, and ensure that such contributions are fully integrated with Australian efforts.
These specialists will liaise with regional coordinators across a number of states as well as with the central Australian government. This engagement will inform options for a future UK contribution, which would focus on areas of most pressing Australian need, including where the UK has world leading capabilities and expertise.These specialists will liaise with regional coordinators across a number of states as well as with the central Australian government. This engagement will inform options for a future UK contribution, which would focus on areas of most pressing Australian need, including where the UK has world leading capabilities and expertise.
The deployment comes following exchanges between the prime minister, foreign secretary and their Australian counterparts.The deployment comes following exchanges between the prime minister, foreign secretary and their Australian counterparts.
On the deployment, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said:On the deployment, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said:
Emergency Victoria just issued an updated evacuation warning for communities northwest of the Abbeyard fire.Emergency Victoria just issued an updated evacuation warning for communities northwest of the Abbeyard fire.
The communities of Dandongadale, Merriang South, Mount Buffalo, Buffalo River and Nug Nug have been advised to evacuate ahead of fire and ember attacks.The communities of Dandongadale, Merriang South, Mount Buffalo, Buffalo River and Nug Nug have been advised to evacuate ahead of fire and ember attacks.
There is also an evacuation warning current for Bennies, Cheshunt South, Markous, Rose River, Top Crossing, Wabonga and Upper Rose River, which are under threat from the same fire.There is also an evacuation warning current for Bennies, Cheshunt South, Markous, Rose River, Top Crossing, Wabonga and Upper Rose River, which are under threat from the same fire.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds in Victoria (the northeast, East Gippsland, and south Gippsland coast) and New South Wales (in a broad line from Broken Hill/Tibooburra and down to Albury and the southern highlands, and also the Illawarra coast).The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds in Victoria (the northeast, East Gippsland, and south Gippsland coast) and New South Wales (in a broad line from Broken Hill/Tibooburra and down to Albury and the southern highlands, and also the Illawarra coast).
The damaging winds will reach between 65km-90km/h and are timed with that south-westerly change, which means they will impact fire weather and also possibly cause falling trees in areas previously impacted by fire.The damaging winds will reach between 65km-90km/h and are timed with that south-westerly change, which means they will impact fire weather and also possibly cause falling trees in areas previously impacted by fire.
The Victorian Farmers Federation has put together a register of people offering free agistment, or “cow parking”, for people affected by the bushfires.The Victorian Farmers Federation has put together a register of people offering free agistment, or “cow parking”, for people affected by the bushfires.
The fires on the south coast of NSW, particularly the Bega Valley, as well as those in the Upper Murray and East Gippsland regions have impacted key dairy farming areas. Senior business reporter Ben Butler wrote more on that here.The fires on the south coast of NSW, particularly the Bega Valley, as well as those in the Upper Murray and East Gippsland regions have impacted key dairy farming areas. Senior business reporter Ben Butler wrote more on that here.
People and smaller pets looking for accomodation after the fires can check out Find-a-bed, a volunteer-led service that popped up in response to the bushfire crisis. (More on its origin here.)People and smaller pets looking for accomodation after the fires can check out Find-a-bed, a volunteer-led service that popped up in response to the bushfire crisis. (More on its origin here.)
Michael Pengilly is the mayor of Kangaroo Island and a former state Liberal member for the seat of Finniss, which is on the mainland around Victor Harbour.Michael Pengilly is the mayor of Kangaroo Island and a former state Liberal member for the seat of Finniss, which is on the mainland around Victor Harbour.
As of yesterday, more than one third of Kangaroo Island had burned and remaining sections were under threat.As of yesterday, more than one third of Kangaroo Island had burned and remaining sections were under threat.
This is a map of Kangaroo Island from the SA Country Fire Service website this morning.This is a map of Kangaroo Island from the SA Country Fire Service website this morning.
The blue section has already burned, the yellow section is under a watch and act alert. People who do not need to be on the island were advised to leave, and some residents have been cut off due to road closures, the ABC has reported.The blue section has already burned, the yellow section is under a watch and act alert. People who do not need to be on the island were advised to leave, and some residents have been cut off due to road closures, the ABC has reported.
Anyway. If you want to adopt our politics live blogger Amy Remeikis, please ensure you first believe in the man-made climate emergency.Anyway. If you want to adopt our politics live blogger Amy Remeikis, please ensure you first believe in the man-made climate emergency.
It’s Calla Wahlquist here, taking over from Helen Davidson.It’s Calla Wahlquist here, taking over from Helen Davidson.
I want to look to the Abbeyard fire in Northeast Victoria first, which has triggered emergency warning and evacuate now alerts for the King Valley and Carboor on the western front of that fire today.I want to look to the Abbeyard fire in Northeast Victoria first, which has triggered emergency warning and evacuate now alerts for the King Valley and Carboor on the western front of that fire today.
Water authorities have told residents they will be turning off sprinklers in unattended houses to conserve water for firefighting efforts. That is likely to stress out some residents, who often put the sprinkler on the roof before evacuating.Water authorities have told residents they will be turning off sprinklers in unattended houses to conserve water for firefighting efforts. That is likely to stress out some residents, who often put the sprinkler on the roof before evacuating.
This is from the Emergency Victoria alert:This is from the Emergency Victoria alert:
A “leave now” warning was issued for most of eastern Victoria late yesterday, advising that everyone east of a line from Bairnsdale to Corryong, and dog-legging west around Mount Buffalo, should leave the area if they do not need to remain.A “leave now” warning was issued for most of eastern Victoria late yesterday, advising that everyone east of a line from Bairnsdale to Corryong, and dog-legging west around Mount Buffalo, should leave the area if they do not need to remain.
The Abbeyard fire is now about 80km long, and has been creeping west toward Carboor, just south of Mount Buffalo. It is being pushed west this morning but the biggest danger will come later this evening, when a south-westerly wind change will convert the northern flank into an 80km-wide fire front. Bright is about 20km north of the fire.The Abbeyard fire is now about 80km long, and has been creeping west toward Carboor, just south of Mount Buffalo. It is being pushed west this morning but the biggest danger will come later this evening, when a south-westerly wind change will convert the northern flank into an 80km-wide fire front. Bright is about 20km north of the fire.
Residents in the King Valley, Carboor and surrounds, Edi, Myrrhee, and surrounding localities have been advised to evacuate now, via the Carboor-Everton Road, if they’re at the Carboor side, and via the King Valley-Wangaratta Road, from the King Valley.Residents in the King Valley, Carboor and surrounds, Edi, Myrrhee, and surrounding localities have been advised to evacuate now, via the Carboor-Everton Road, if they’re at the Carboor side, and via the King Valley-Wangaratta Road, from the King Valley.
Evacuation centres have been set up in Wangaratta, with a information and registration centre at the Myrtleford library.Evacuation centres have been set up in Wangaratta, with a information and registration centre at the Myrtleford library.
Morrison is again asked about the government’s position on climate change, questioned on whether he needs to do more, and whether he might revisit the national energy guarantee - a policy that Morrison previously supported before a conservative uprising within government ranks caused it to be dumped by former PM Malcolm Turnbull.
When asked if he accepted that these type of bushfire events would become more common, Morrison said the government had “covered that a number of times now.”
“There’ll be the reviews that take place as you would expect and I’ve already indicated in response to questions that we’ll be working closely with state and territory authorities on how they are undertaken,” Morrison said.
“But the links and implications here have been acknowledged.”
When asked if he accepted that community sentiment had shifted on climate change as a result of the bushfire season, and this might warrant a review of policy, including the national energy guarantee, Morrison does not bite.
“I accept community sentiment today when we have got extreme fire conditions in New South Wales and Victoria, would have me absolutely 100% focused on ensuring the response effort that may have to roll in the next 24 hours is ready to go, and that I’ve given the order of the Defence Forces to be ready to go and get in there.”
“That’s what I believe the community wants me focused on right now.”
It’s worth mentioning that this press conference was not 100% focused on the response effort. It began with obviously important briefings on the Iran situation. So he should have been able to answer questions on this.
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:
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.
“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.”
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 $2bn towards the recovery effort.
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.
From AAP:
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
Read Luke’s full feature here.
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 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.”
The dam is closed as a drinking supply and a recovery operation to retrieve the helicopter will be coordinated. Inquiries are continuing.