This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/jan/11/nsw-fires-live-updates-victoria-bushfires-south-australia-fire-sa-australian-bushfire-near-me-rfs-cfa-canberra-latest-news-saturday

The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
Australia bushfires live: NSW and Victoria survey damage as fires merge to form new 'megablaze' – latest updates Australia bushfires live: NSW and Victoria survey damage as fires merge to form new 'megablaze' – latest updates
(32 minutes later)
Firefighters and property owner among those injured as megablaze burns on both sides of the Murray River in the Snowy Mountains and upper Murray regionFirefighters and property owner among those injured as megablaze burns on both sides of the Murray River in the Snowy Mountains and upper Murray region
Fire conditions will spike again in Victoria — but not for a few days
Here is some more on the weather conditions ahead this week, this time in Victoria and South Australia.
First to Victoria, the Bureau of Meteorology says while conditions are indeed milder today, winds are keeping the fire danger rating very high in the north of the state for both today and tomorrow. The south is faring better with only moderate fire danger.
Temperatures have been a bit cooler on Saturday but that it is not expected to last. Warmer weather will return over the coming days, however the good news is the humidity will increase.
“While the increase in temperature does tend to make fire danger worse, the humidity counteracts that,” senior meteorologist Richard Russell says.
Thunderstorms are also likely for much of the state from Wednesday through to Saturday, with the exception of the south west and the Wimmera.
And they will be wet thunderstorms this time and not the dry thunderstorms we’ve had in recent times.
Russell warns though that the rain over the past couple of days is “nowhere near enough” and the fires will continue and conditions will spike again at some point.
“In the week ahead, it’s that balancing act,” he says.
“There are no real strong winds either.
“It’s certainly not as bad as we’ve seen recently, we are still right in the middle of summer though.”
The chief officer of the SA Country Fire Service says tourists and residents are now free to travel to and from Kangaroo Island.
The travel restrictions actually lifted on Friday, but chief officer Mark Jones issued a clarifying statement on Saturday saying there was still some confusion from visitors about accessing the island.
There may have been confusion about travelling to the island.
The CFS has warned that there will continue to be localised flare-ups in the fire ground, and visitors need to remain aware of fire warnings and the risks of travelling to recently-burned areas.
Many locals around Bright chose not to evacuate
Roper says that people appeared less likely to take the advice of emergency services to evacuate ahead of yesterday’s extreme fire activity. Even some who evacuated last Saturday, when the state of disaster powers were first invoked, chose to remain at home this time around.
“The vast majority of people that evacuated the first time chose not to go the second time,” Roper says. “They did not perceive the danger to be as great as possibly what it is.”
Roper says some people seem to think that the fire modelling was “wrong” if a risk that was predicted doesn’t come to pass. But he says that the evacuation and “leave now” warnings were only ever intended to tell people how bad things might get on a given day, and how likely it was that the worst case scenario would occur.
He says he still advises that people follow the advice to leave, if they can. If they stay and need firefighting assistance, that pulls resources from elsewhere.
“Staying if you are only going to look after yourself is actually quite a selfish thing to do,” he says.
Bushfires estimated to cost $90m in lost tourismBushfires estimated to cost $90m in lost tourism
It may have escaped the worst-case scenario yesterday, Alpine Shire mayor Peter Roper says, but the region will suffer a significant economic loss. It is now too late to salvage the tourist dollars lost these summer holidays, and not yet safe enough to encourage visitors to return before the end of January.It may have escaped the worst-case scenario yesterday, Alpine Shire mayor Peter Roper says, but the region will suffer a significant economic loss. It is now too late to salvage the tourist dollars lost these summer holidays, and not yet safe enough to encourage visitors to return before the end of January.
“We estimate $90m in tourism losses for the Alpine Shire alone,” Roper says.“We estimate $90m in tourism losses for the Alpine Shire alone,” Roper says.
“Businesses with business interruption insurance, like accommodation providers that can show bookings which were cancelled, will be all right, but for shops or our retailers, you can’t budget for that.“Businesses with business interruption insurance, like accommodation providers that can show bookings which were cancelled, will be all right, but for shops or our retailers, you can’t budget for that.
“I think we might lose some businesses. That’s a possibility.”“I think we might lose some businesses. That’s a possibility.”
So, what’s happening around Bright today?So, what’s happening around Bright today?
It is a beautiful day in the Keiwa and Ovens valleys, the Alpine Shire mayor, Peter Roper, says.It is a beautiful day in the Keiwa and Ovens valleys, the Alpine Shire mayor, Peter Roper, says.
“We had bugger all rain [last night], I think about 1mm in the Keiwa Valley,” he tells Guardian Australia. “But today is a delightful day in northeast Victoria, which is mental. You wouldn’t know there was a fire.”“We had bugger all rain [last night], I think about 1mm in the Keiwa Valley,” he tells Guardian Australia. “But today is a delightful day in northeast Victoria, which is mental. You wouldn’t know there was a fire.”
Yesterday the Keiwa and Ovens Valleys were blanketed with smoke from the Abbeyard fire and concerned fire might even threaten Harrietville and Bright.Yesterday the Keiwa and Ovens Valleys were blanketed with smoke from the Abbeyard fire and concerned fire might even threaten Harrietville and Bright.
You couldn’t see more than a few hundred metres in front of you, Roper says. Everyone was anxious and uncomfortable. The southwesterly wind change put the Ovens Valley right in the path of the fire. But days of preparation by both firefighters and local residents prevailed, and the worst-case scenarios did not eventuate.You couldn’t see more than a few hundred metres in front of you, Roper says. Everyone was anxious and uncomfortable. The southwesterly wind change put the Ovens Valley right in the path of the fire. But days of preparation by both firefighters and local residents prevailed, and the worst-case scenarios did not eventuate.
“Yesterday was pretty horrible,” he says. “It was a horrible sort of day.... You sit and wait in these sort of situations.”“Yesterday was pretty horrible,” he says. “It was a horrible sort of day.... You sit and wait in these sort of situations.”
About 5pm, CFA strike teams that had been sitting in wait for spot fires in the Ovens Valley were sent to put out a grassfire at Bandiana, on the outskirts of Wodonga. That fire also cut off one of the exits out of the Keiwa valley. “Everyone started to get a bit twitchy about what was going on,” Roper says.About 5pm, CFA strike teams that had been sitting in wait for spot fires in the Ovens Valley were sent to put out a grassfire at Bandiana, on the outskirts of Wodonga. That fire also cut off one of the exits out of the Keiwa valley. “Everyone started to get a bit twitchy about what was going on,” Roper says.
Then a fire started at Mount Beauty, and local crews “jumped on it.” And that was the worst of it. Apart from some damage to private land on the western edge of the fire, and ember attack in the Buckland Valley, the flames remained in state forest and national park.Then a fire started at Mount Beauty, and local crews “jumped on it.” And that was the worst of it. Apart from some damage to private land on the western edge of the fire, and ember attack in the Buckland Valley, the flames remained in state forest and national park.
The next seven days in NSWThe next seven days in NSW
Earlier today NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said fire crews would use milder conditions this week to try “get an upper hand on the fires”.Earlier today NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said fire crews would use milder conditions this week to try “get an upper hand on the fires”.
He said the forecast is for the best seven days they’ve had in terms of fire danger ratings.He said the forecast is for the best seven days they’ve had in terms of fire danger ratings.
The Bureau of Meteorology has some more detail on that.The Bureau of Meteorology has some more detail on that.
Temperatures across most of the state over the next couple of days will be cooler and wind gusts will not be of the kind seen on Friday when the southerly moved through.Temperatures across most of the state over the next couple of days will be cooler and wind gusts will not be of the kind seen on Friday when the southerly moved through.
Senior climatologist Agata Imielska says areas including the Illawarra, Bega, the south coast and the Riverina could still experience gusts of 15-20 km/h, however, which “can still make things challenging on the fireground”.Senior climatologist Agata Imielska says areas including the Illawarra, Bega, the south coast and the Riverina could still experience gusts of 15-20 km/h, however, which “can still make things challenging on the fireground”.
Fire danger ratings will be low-moderate to high in most areas up until Tuesday, when temperatures will become slightly warmer again and very high fire danger is expected in areas including the southern ranges, the northern slopes and the ACT.Fire danger ratings will be low-moderate to high in most areas up until Tuesday, when temperatures will become slightly warmer again and very high fire danger is expected in areas including the southern ranges, the northern slopes and the ACT.
There is also some rain forecast around NSW for later this week, but the BoM says it is too soon to tell how significant that will be.There is also some rain forecast around NSW for later this week, but the BoM says it is too soon to tell how significant that will be.
“It’s a bit of good news to see we’ve got rain on the forecast but at the same time whether it will be significant enough in the context of the fires that’s something we’ll be keeping an eye on,” Imielska says.“It’s a bit of good news to see we’ve got rain on the forecast but at the same time whether it will be significant enough in the context of the fires that’s something we’ll be keeping an eye on,” Imielska says.
Rachel Baxendale, a reporter from The Australian, is at her parents’ vineyard at Whitlands, which is under a watch and act warning for the Abbeyard fire. It looks beautiful there today, even if you can’t see Mount Buffalo’s horn.Rachel Baxendale, a reporter from The Australian, is at her parents’ vineyard at Whitlands, which is under a watch and act warning for the Abbeyard fire. It looks beautiful there today, even if you can’t see Mount Buffalo’s horn.
Some big names have joined #AuthorsForFireys. Nick Cave has donated a signed copy of The Sick Bag Song and one of his suits, which, amazing.Some big names have joined #AuthorsForFireys. Nick Cave has donated a signed copy of The Sick Bag Song and one of his suits, which, amazing.
Cave grew up around northeast Victoria, so it’s not surprising that he is helping out.Cave grew up around northeast Victoria, so it’s not surprising that he is helping out.
Also American author Cheryl Strayed has donated one of five limited-edition signed, leatherbound editions of her memoir, Wild. The top bid, as of 9am, was $2,000.Also American author Cheryl Strayed has donated one of five limited-edition signed, leatherbound editions of her memoir, Wild. The top bid, as of 9am, was $2,000.
Elise Hurst, the artist behind the special illustrated edition of Neil Gaiman’s Ocean at the end of the lane, is also auctioning a copy of that book signed by both her and Gaiman.Elise Hurst, the artist behind the special illustrated edition of Neil Gaiman’s Ocean at the end of the lane, is also auctioning a copy of that book signed by both her and Gaiman.
This was the scene at the Snowy Mountains town of Adaminaby last night.This was the scene at the Snowy Mountains town of Adaminaby last night.
Economic impact on northeast Victoria will be ‘massive’Economic impact on northeast Victoria will be ‘massive’
Helen Haines told ABC24 that the economic impact of these bushfires on her electorate would be “massive”. Including, potentially, the loss of the entire 2020 vintage from some vineyards due to smoke taint.Helen Haines told ABC24 that the economic impact of these bushfires on her electorate would be “massive”. Including, potentially, the loss of the entire 2020 vintage from some vineyards due to smoke taint.
Worth noting that every major wine region in Australia is facing the threat of smoke taint.Worth noting that every major wine region in Australia is facing the threat of smoke taint.
Tourism has also been affected. In the Alpine Shire alone, Haines said, losses from tourism were estimated to reach $90m.Tourism has also been affected. In the Alpine Shire alone, Haines said, losses from tourism were estimated to reach $90m.
Agriculture is also struggling, with dairy farmers in the Upper Murray — one of the few dairy regions in Australia that was not on its knees due to drought — forced to tip milk down the drain because they can’t get trucks through, or lost power to refrigerate it. Stock losses in the Upper Murray, from the Corryong fire, are estimated at 1,500 cattle.Agriculture is also struggling, with dairy farmers in the Upper Murray — one of the few dairy regions in Australia that was not on its knees due to drought — forced to tip milk down the drain because they can’t get trucks through, or lost power to refrigerate it. Stock losses in the Upper Murray, from the Corryong fire, are estimated at 1,500 cattle.
Indi MP: ‘People are tired’Indi MP: ‘People are tired’
Helen Haines is the independent MP for the federal electorate of Indi, which covers the areas burning in both the Corryong and Abbeyard fires. She spoke to ABC24 earlier, and said the fire risk remains high.Helen Haines is the independent MP for the federal electorate of Indi, which covers the areas burning in both the Corryong and Abbeyard fires. She spoke to ABC24 earlier, and said the fire risk remains high.
Haines:Haines:
Haines said she thinks locals are listening to the “strong warnings from our emergency services.Haines said she thinks locals are listening to the “strong warnings from our emergency services.
“That doesn’t mean everyone is evacuating when told, but that people take in the information provided and make their own “risk assessment.”“That doesn’t mean everyone is evacuating when told, but that people take in the information provided and make their own “risk assessment.”
The fire situation in Victoria is calmer today, after more than 50 new fires started yesterday and last night.The fire situation in Victoria is calmer today, after more than 50 new fires started yesterday and last night.
There is still one emergency alert in place for the upper alpine villages around Mount Hotham — Hotham Heights, Dinner Plain, Flourbag and Davenport Village. That’s wedged in between the Abbeyard fire and other fires burning around Bundara.There is still one emergency alert in place for the upper alpine villages around Mount Hotham — Hotham Heights, Dinner Plain, Flourbag and Davenport Village. That’s wedged in between the Abbeyard fire and other fires burning around Bundara.
Watch and act alerts are in place for the southern, western, and northern flanks of the Abbeyard fire, in the King Valley, Ovens Valley, and surrounds. There are also two watch and act alerts for the Corryong/Dunns Road megafire on the Victorian side of the border. The NSW side of the border is currently at an advice level.Watch and act alerts are in place for the southern, western, and northern flanks of the Abbeyard fire, in the King Valley, Ovens Valley, and surrounds. There are also two watch and act alerts for the Corryong/Dunns Road megafire on the Victorian side of the border. The NSW side of the border is currently at an advice level.
All other fires in the state, including the grassfire that was elevated to emergency warning level on the outskirts of Wodonga last night, and all of the Gippsland fires, are at advice level.All other fires in the state, including the grassfire that was elevated to emergency warning level on the outskirts of Wodonga last night, and all of the Gippsland fires, are at advice level.
Here’s an aerial view of the Corryong fire, via ABC journo Erin Somerville.Here’s an aerial view of the Corryong fire, via ABC journo Erin Somerville.
These before and after photos, taken by Ross Evans, are apocalyptic.These before and after photos, taken by Ross Evans, are apocalyptic.
The unchanged blue ocean makes things look even more jarring, because when we see these kind of images they’re often overlaid by a weird Hollywood filter. But no, these are real photos of one of Australia’s most important ecological reserves.The unchanged blue ocean makes things look even more jarring, because when we see these kind of images they’re often overlaid by a weird Hollywood filter. But no, these are real photos of one of Australia’s most important ecological reserves.
The fire area on Kangaroo Island is 215,868ha, as of 4am today. That’s 49% of the island’s total landmass.The fire area on Kangaroo Island is 215,868ha, as of 4am today. That’s 49% of the island’s total landmass.
About two-thirds of the island is currently under a watch and act alert, and there are specific warnings about the threat of falling trees in burned areas.About two-thirds of the island is currently under a watch and act alert, and there are specific warnings about the threat of falling trees in burned areas.
What kind of action would satisfy the thousands of people who joined those climate protests, one reporter asked?What kind of action would satisfy the thousands of people who joined those climate protests, one reporter asked?
Said Albanese:Said Albanese:
He goes on:He goes on:
Scott Morrison rejected criticism of his government’s climate change policies on Friday. You can read of what he said here.Scott Morrison rejected criticism of his government’s climate change policies on Friday. You can read of what he said here.
After that, Albanese was pressed on whether he supported the climate protests that took place around the country, and indeed around the world, last night.After that, Albanese was pressed on whether he supported the climate protests that took place around the country, and indeed around the world, last night.
Thousands of people marched in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and London to call for the Australian government to introduce a strong policy to mitigate the climate emergency.Thousands of people marched in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and London to call for the Australian government to introduce a strong policy to mitigate the climate emergency.
Albanese says the protests were an expression of people’s frustration around the lack of action on climate change but that it was important that they did so without disrupting anyone else. This seems, to me, to be besides the point, but I’ll give you the full quote:Albanese says the protests were an expression of people’s frustration around the lack of action on climate change but that it was important that they did so without disrupting anyone else. This seems, to me, to be besides the point, but I’ll give you the full quote: