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NSW and Queensland fires: emergency warning for bushfire threatening Port Lincoln in South Australia – live NSW and Queensland fires: emergency warning for bushfire threatening Port Lincoln in South Australia – live
(32 minutes later)
More than 350 NSW schools to close as conditions forecast to worsen on Tuesday, while dozens of bushfires continue to burn across Australia’s east coastMore than 350 NSW schools to close as conditions forecast to worsen on Tuesday, while dozens of bushfires continue to burn across Australia’s east coast
This is where we’ll leave our rolling coverage today. Guardian Australia will be covering all the developments tomorrow. Here’s what’s happened so far:
More than 60 fires are still threatening NSW and the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast “hot, dry and gusty winds” worsening the situation tomorrow
More than 45 fires are burning in Queensland with three watch and act fires south of Toowoomba and near Yeppoon
The NSW government has declared a state of emergency for seven days
More than 575 schools and TAFE campuses will be closed, the department of education said in its evening update
Declarations of catastrophic fire conditions were extended this afternoon, to now cover Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, and Illawarra Shoalhaven
The catastrophic rating was introduced in 2009 after the Victorian black Saturday bushfires, and its the first time Sydney has been given the rating
It will be extreme fire danger in the Central Ranges, North Western, North Coast, New England, Southern Ranges, and Northern Slopes
There is a statewide total fire ban in effect
Fire authorities have advised people to avoid bushland areas - which for many means leaving homes for coastal or larger towns and cities
All communities in Bellingen and Coffs Harbour west of the Pacific Highway have been advised to leave home early
Aged care homes are on alert
An emergency level fire was threatening Port Lincoln in South Australia on Monday evening
Victoria is sending another 300 firefighters and New Zealand has pledged further support if needed
Defence bases have been ordered to provide whatever assistance is required to local firefighters
Bitter political arguments are playing out on the sidelines of the actual firefighting, with Greens and Nationals MPs blaming each other for the awful fire conditions, and Coalition politicians refusing to discuss the impact of climate change (and their lack of action to address it) on to the crisis
From AAP: Horse owners are being urged to move their animals to a safe place in the face of the catastrophic bushfire threat.From AAP: Horse owners are being urged to move their animals to a safe place in the face of the catastrophic bushfire threat.
The Australian Veterinary Association has warned that horses should not be locked in confined stables but rather placed in well-grazed paddocks.The Australian Veterinary Association has warned that horses should not be locked in confined stables but rather placed in well-grazed paddocks.
Dr Sam Nugent, president of Equine Veterinarians Australia, said the key was to act early.Dr Sam Nugent, president of Equine Veterinarians Australia, said the key was to act early.
“It’s critical not to lock your horses in a stable, holding yard or similar environment, as they may panic and hurt themselves if confined,” he said. “In addition, the EVA asks that you remove all gear from your horse as it could get caught on fences, melt or become very hot and cause serious burns, plus do not leave rugs on your horse.”“It’s critical not to lock your horses in a stable, holding yard or similar environment, as they may panic and hurt themselves if confined,” he said. “In addition, the EVA asks that you remove all gear from your horse as it could get caught on fences, melt or become very hot and cause serious burns, plus do not leave rugs on your horse.”
The AVA said the ideal environment is a large or series of small well-grazed paddocks with the internal gates left open, and warned horses should not be let onto roads where they could face danger from traffic as well as fire.The AVA said the ideal environment is a large or series of small well-grazed paddocks with the internal gates left open, and warned horses should not be let onto roads where they could face danger from traffic as well as fire.
Northern Beaches Council mayor Michael Regan said it had opened Frenchs Forest Showground and North Narrabeen reserve for local residents to temporarily relocate large animals including horses.Northern Beaches Council mayor Michael Regan said it had opened Frenchs Forest Showground and North Narrabeen reserve for local residents to temporarily relocate large animals including horses.
Attn: CanberraAttn: Canberra
Carol Sparks is the mayor of Glen Innes Severn council, where devastating fires on Friday claimed at least two lives. She has written an op-ed which you can find here. Here’s an excerpt:Carol Sparks is the mayor of Glen Innes Severn council, where devastating fires on Friday claimed at least two lives. She has written an op-ed which you can find here. Here’s an excerpt:
Nick Stanley of the South Australian CFS has told ABC local radio there are more than 100 firefighters from 26 ground crews, eight waterbombing aircraft and three observation aircraft currently working on the fire threatening Port Lincoln.Nick Stanley of the South Australian CFS has told ABC local radio there are more than 100 firefighters from 26 ground crews, eight waterbombing aircraft and three observation aircraft currently working on the fire threatening Port Lincoln.
“We’re still seeing some fairly strong winds around the 50km/h mark, gusting 80-90km/h when this fire started,” he said.“We’re still seeing some fairly strong winds around the 50km/h mark, gusting 80-90km/h when this fire started,” he said.
“Trying to control a fire under those conditions is near-on impossible.”“Trying to control a fire under those conditions is near-on impossible.”
The NSW RFS has reminded people it is not telling people to evacuate ahead of tomorrow, just to “avoid bushfire prone areas”.The NSW RFS has reminded people it is not telling people to evacuate ahead of tomorrow, just to “avoid bushfire prone areas”.
That could mean leaving your home and going to a large town or city, or to a shopping centre or another place far away from a bushland area.That could mean leaving your home and going to a large town or city, or to a shopping centre or another place far away from a bushland area.
NSW Police have issued warnings and advice for the state’s population ahead of Tuesday’s serious fire conditions and total fire ban.NSW Police have issued warnings and advice for the state’s population ahead of Tuesday’s serious fire conditions and total fire ban.
“If you are threatened by fire, you need to take action to protect yourself. Do not be caught in the open,” it said a short time ago.“If you are threatened by fire, you need to take action to protect yourself. Do not be caught in the open,” it said a short time ago.
There are simply not enough fire trucks for every house. If you call for help, you may not get it. Do not expect a firetruck. Do not expect a knock on the door. Do not expect a phone call.”There are simply not enough fire trucks for every house. If you call for help, you may not get it. Do not expect a firetruck. Do not expect a knock on the door. Do not expect a phone call.”
“Start taking action now to reduce your risk:“Start taking action now to reduce your risk:
Avoid bush fire prone areas. If your home is in a bush fire prone area, the safest option is to not be there.Avoid bush fire prone areas. If your home is in a bush fire prone area, the safest option is to not be there.
Do not travel through bushland areas.Do not travel through bushland areas.
A safer location may be a large town or city, shopping centres or facilities well away from bushland. It may also be a designated ‘Neighbourhood Safer Place’.A safer location may be a large town or city, shopping centres or facilities well away from bushland. It may also be a designated ‘Neighbourhood Safer Place’.
A Neighbourhood Safer Place is designed as a Place of Last Resort in bush fire emergencies only. Please note that travelling to or sheltering at a Neighbourhood Safer Place does not guarantee your safety.A Neighbourhood Safer Place is designed as a Place of Last Resort in bush fire emergencies only. Please note that travelling to or sheltering at a Neighbourhood Safer Place does not guarantee your safety.
Your safest option will always be to leave early.Your safest option will always be to leave early.
People with special needs, such as the elderly and people with a disability, should always leave before the threat of bush fire.People with special needs, such as the elderly and people with a disability, should always leave before the threat of bush fire.
If it is unsafe to leave the area or stay and defend your property, and the path is clear, you should move to your pre-identified Neighbourhood Safer Place, or other safer location, prior to the impact of a bush fire.If it is unsafe to leave the area or stay and defend your property, and the path is clear, you should move to your pre-identified Neighbourhood Safer Place, or other safer location, prior to the impact of a bush fire.
Be aware that when you are travelling to your Neighbourhood Safer Place there may be heavy smoke and poor visibility.Be aware that when you are travelling to your Neighbourhood Safer Place there may be heavy smoke and poor visibility.
It is important that you are familiar with the area. Gather at the Neighbourhood Safer Place location and remain there until the bush fire threat has passed.It is important that you are familiar with the area. Gather at the Neighbourhood Safer Place location and remain there until the bush fire threat has passed.
The conditions at the Neighbourhood Safer Place may be uncomfortable and you may be affected by heat, smoke and embers.The conditions at the Neighbourhood Safer Place may be uncomfortable and you may be affected by heat, smoke and embers.
Water, toilets and food may not be available at the Neighbourhood Safer Place and emergency service personnel may not be present.Water, toilets and food may not be available at the Neighbourhood Safer Place and emergency service personnel may not be present.
Neighbourhood Safer Places are not intended for pets and livestock.Neighbourhood Safer Places are not intended for pets and livestock.
Lists of evacuation centres will be posted here by the RFS, and police keep their updates here.Lists of evacuation centres will be posted here by the RFS, and police keep their updates here.
Defence bases have been given orders to provide any an all assistance required to local firefighting forces.Defence bases have been given orders to provide any an all assistance required to local firefighting forces.
Defence minister Linda Reynolds has asked the chief of the ADF, General Angus Campbell, “to give an order to local base commanders, making clear that they have the authority to use Defence resources to respond to any local contingencies”.Defence minister Linda Reynolds has asked the chief of the ADF, General Angus Campbell, “to give an order to local base commanders, making clear that they have the authority to use Defence resources to respond to any local contingencies”.
“Senior ADF officers and other commanders are empowered to provide emergency assistance in local emergency situations to save human life, prevent extensive loss of animal life, or widespread damage to property,” she said.“Senior ADF officers and other commanders are empowered to provide emergency assistance in local emergency situations to save human life, prevent extensive loss of animal life, or widespread damage to property,” she said.
“While our ADF personnel are not trained firefighters, they can provide other support for the nation’s front line first responders.”“While our ADF personnel are not trained firefighters, they can provide other support for the nation’s front line first responders.”
In South Australia the CFS has issued an emergency warning in the last hour for Duck Ponds, in the Lower Eyre Peninsula, where a fire is burning in an easterly direction towards Port Lincoln.In South Australia the CFS has issued an emergency warning in the last hour for Duck Ponds, in the Lower Eyre Peninsula, where a fire is burning in an easterly direction towards Port Lincoln.
“The Western Approach Rd, Duck Ponds fire is uncontrolled,” it said.“The Western Approach Rd, Duck Ponds fire is uncontrolled,” it said.
“You are now in danger. Take shelter in a solid building. Do not leave or enter this area in a vehicle or on foot. It is too late to leave as the roads will not be safe.“You are now in danger. Take shelter in a solid building. Do not leave or enter this area in a vehicle or on foot. It is too late to leave as the roads will not be safe.
Conditions are dangerous and firefighters are now unable to prevent the fire spreading. Shelter before the fire arrives as heat can kill you well before the flames reach you.”Conditions are dangerous and firefighters are now unable to prevent the fire spreading. Shelter before the fire arrives as heat can kill you well before the flames reach you.”
The White Hut fire which was an emergency earlier this afternoon has now been contained, but the CFS warns “a fast moving wind change is still expected this afternoon which may cause the fire to spread rapidly in a north easterly or easterly direction toward the locality of White Hut, Hundred Line Road, and the Yorke Highway”. The White Hut fire which was an emergency earlier this afternoon has now been contained, but the CFS warns “a fast moving wind change is still expected this afternoon which may cause the fire to spread rapidly in a north easterly or easterly direction toward the locality of White Hut, Hundred Line Road and the Yorke Highway”.
An update on the Queensland situation:An update on the Queensland situation:
There are 10 fires at advice level, and four watch and act fires: Cobraball, Townson, Clumber, and Thornton. There are 10 fires at advice level, and four watch and act fires: Cobraball, Townson, Clumber and Thornton.
And in NSW:And in NSW:
There are 48 advice level fires burning across the state and 10 watch and act fires: Carral Creek, Carrai East, Coombes Gap complex, Hillville, Kian Road, Liberation Trail, Bril Bril, Mt Nardi national park, Newton Boyd, and Coombadjha. There are 48 advice level fires burning across the state and 10 watch and act fires: Carral Creek, Carrai East, Coombes Gap complex, Hillville, Kian Road, Liberation Trail, Bril Bril, Mt Nardi national park, Newton Boyd and Coombadjha.
Towns and communities west of the highway in the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen region are being advised to get clear of their homes tomorrow.Towns and communities west of the highway in the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen region are being advised to get clear of their homes tomorrow.
This is a community newsletter released earlier this afternoon advising resident they will face “extreme fire danger” on Tuesday, with smoke and embers from the significant fires nearby potentially affecting areas kilometres ahead of the fires, predicted to spread to Coffs Harbour and the northern beaches.This is a community newsletter released earlier this afternoon advising resident they will face “extreme fire danger” on Tuesday, with smoke and embers from the significant fires nearby potentially affecting areas kilometres ahead of the fires, predicted to spread to Coffs Harbour and the northern beaches.
It’s advised residents in areas west of the Pacific highway to self-relocate to a major urban area like Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, Bellingen, Urunga, and Dorrigo, but warned that some places east of the highway are not safe enough to take refuge.It’s advised residents in areas west of the Pacific highway to self-relocate to a major urban area like Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, Bellingen, Urunga, and Dorrigo, but warned that some places east of the highway are not safe enough to take refuge.
The warnings from authorities that people in areas of concern should leave for somewhere safer is not one to take lightly.The warnings from authorities that people in areas of concern should leave for somewhere safer is not one to take lightly.
Even the chief of the Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service is getting out.Even the chief of the Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service is getting out.
David Jones has urged residents to consider leaving their homes before late this afternoon, the Blue Mountains Gazette has reported.David Jones has urged residents to consider leaving their homes before late this afternoon, the Blue Mountains Gazette has reported.
“I really think leaving is the best option, we don’t want to lose lives,” he told the paper.“I really think leaving is the best option, we don’t want to lose lives,” he told the paper.
“I encourage people to go, I think it’s the best. My family are going, even though my house at Medlow Bath is well prepared.”“I encourage people to go, I think it’s the best. My family are going, even though my house at Medlow Bath is well prepared.”
Earlier, the mayor of the mid-north coast council, David West said the next few days “could be the most hazardous this community has ever had”.Earlier, the mayor of the mid-north coast council, David West said the next few days “could be the most hazardous this community has ever had”.
The north coast has been hardest hit so far by the fires that have been burning since Friday.The north coast has been hardest hit so far by the fires that have been burning since Friday.
But West told the ABC earlier his community was “very resilient”.But West told the ABC earlier his community was “very resilient”.
“They’re country people,” he said. “Not only were they supporting each other, the community is supporting them as well. Huge donations of clothing, huge donations of help, to such a degree they had to turn people away. That’s what makes regional New South Wales and regional Australia a very strong and vibrant community.“They’re country people,” he said. “Not only were they supporting each other, the community is supporting them as well. Huge donations of clothing, huge donations of help, to such a degree they had to turn people away. That’s what makes regional New South Wales and regional Australia a very strong and vibrant community.
“Council is doing all it can, we’re basically ceasing general operations of council and putting resources into supporting the community moving forward. The next three days could be the most hazardous this community has ever had.”“Council is doing all it can, we’re basically ceasing general operations of council and putting resources into supporting the community moving forward. The next three days could be the most hazardous this community has ever had.”
In the latest from the Nationals-Greens sniping over bushfires and climate and blame: Barnaby Joyce has told the Australian it’s “Greens policy” that has made the threat worse, by locking up dams and preventing enough hazard reduction burns, and – I kid you not – making trees fall over on forest roads.In the latest from the Nationals-Greens sniping over bushfires and climate and blame: Barnaby Joyce has told the Australian it’s “Greens policy” that has made the threat worse, by locking up dams and preventing enough hazard reduction burns, and – I kid you not – making trees fall over on forest roads.
“So many of the practicalities of fighting a fire and managing it have been stymied by the Greens,” Joyce has said.“So many of the practicalities of fighting a fire and managing it have been stymied by the Greens,” Joyce has said.
“A lot of people are talking once more about Indigenous land management because they didn’t have to go through 1,001 reports that they have to go through today.”“A lot of people are talking once more about Indigenous land management because they didn’t have to go through 1,001 reports that they have to go through today.”
He said there was nothing the parliament has done which brought about the devastation.He said there was nothing the parliament has done which brought about the devastation.
“The problems we have got have been created by the Greens,” he said.“The problems we have got have been created by the Greens,” he said.
“We haven’t had the capacity to easily access [hazard] reduction burns because of all of the paperwork that is part of green policy.“We haven’t had the capacity to easily access [hazard] reduction burns because of all of the paperwork that is part of green policy.
“We don’t have access to dams because they have been decommissioned on national parks because of green policy. We have trees that have fallen over vehicles and block roads, so people cannot either get access to fight a fire or to get away from fires. And we can’t knock over the trees because of Greens policy.”“We don’t have access to dams because they have been decommissioned on national parks because of green policy. We have trees that have fallen over vehicles and block roads, so people cannot either get access to fight a fire or to get away from fires. And we can’t knock over the trees because of Greens policy.”
It comes after Greens MP Adam Bandt said “thoughts and prayers aren’t enough” and the government had done “everything in their power” to make fires more likely, which deputy PM Michael McCormack labeled the “ravings of some pure, enlightened and woke capital city greenies”.It comes after Greens MP Adam Bandt said “thoughts and prayers aren’t enough” and the government had done “everything in their power” to make fires more likely, which deputy PM Michael McCormack labeled the “ravings of some pure, enlightened and woke capital city greenies”.
But professor and bushfire researcher Jim McLennan from La Trobe University has said other residents in more metropolitan areas, around the country, were not as ready as they should be.But professor and bushfire researcher Jim McLennan from La Trobe University has said other residents in more metropolitan areas, around the country, were not as ready as they should be.
“In the major capital cities, with population growth on the bushland fringes and more hot days with longer no-rain periods, there are city-dwellers who don’t appreciate they are now on the fringe of fire areas,” he told AAP.“In the major capital cities, with population growth on the bushland fringes and more hot days with longer no-rain periods, there are city-dwellers who don’t appreciate they are now on the fringe of fire areas,” he told AAP.
“In areas of greater population density, you are likely to get major problems with traffic, the possibility of accidents and tragedies.“In areas of greater population density, you are likely to get major problems with traffic, the possibility of accidents and tragedies.
“A lot of people are not bushfire-ready.”“A lot of people are not bushfire-ready.”
The Blue Mountains mayor, Mark Greenhill, says the region is “well seasoned” and prepared for tomorrow’s catastrophic conditions.The Blue Mountains mayor, Mark Greenhill, says the region is “well seasoned” and prepared for tomorrow’s catastrophic conditions.
The Blue Mountains experienced devastating blazes in 2013, losing over 200 homes.The Blue Mountains experienced devastating blazes in 2013, losing over 200 homes.
“I’ve been speaking to residents today who are quietly preparing,” he told AAP. “Our community quietly gets about doing what it needs to do.”“I’ve been speaking to residents today who are quietly preparing,” he told AAP. “Our community quietly gets about doing what it needs to do.”
The bushfire in South Australia on the Yorke Peninsula has been downgraded to watch and act.The bushfire in South Australia on the Yorke Peninsula has been downgraded to watch and act.
At 1.30 AEDT, fire authorities said it posed a threat to lives and property.At 1.30 AEDT, fire authorities said it posed a threat to lives and property.
But firefighters have now halted the fire’s advance and there have been no lives lost and damage to property.But firefighters have now halted the fire’s advance and there have been no lives lost and damage to property.
But, an approaching wind change could push the fire to the east.But, an approaching wind change could push the fire to the east.
The latest update from the Department of Education has declared even more schools – both public and non-government – are closed tomorrow.The latest update from the Department of Education has declared even more schools – both public and non-government – are closed tomorrow.
We already reported that hundreds of schools would be closed on Tuesday, after a major announcement around 2.30pm.We already reported that hundreds of schools would be closed on Tuesday, after a major announcement around 2.30pm.
But to recap, and consolidate the new schools, the ABC is reporting that 367 schools are now closed across NSW. These are all through the catastrophic fire danger areas of the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Greater Hunter.But to recap, and consolidate the new schools, the ABC is reporting that 367 schools are now closed across NSW. These are all through the catastrophic fire danger areas of the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Greater Hunter.
There are also numerous schools closed in metropolitan parts of Sydney near areas of bush.There are also numerous schools closed in metropolitan parts of Sydney near areas of bush.
The full list is here.The full list is here.