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| Australia fires: temperatures top 47C amid ongoing fire crisis - as it happened | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| BoM data says Tuesday’s 40.9C was the hottest average maximum across the whole country ever recorded, as extreme heat moves across South Australia to Melbourne, Victoria and Sydney, NSW, as bushfires continue. Follow latest updates | BoM data says Tuesday’s 40.9C was the hottest average maximum across the whole country ever recorded, as extreme heat moves across South Australia to Melbourne, Victoria and Sydney, NSW, as bushfires continue. Follow latest updates |
| It is still unpleasantly warm here in Melbourne, and across much of southern Australia east of the Nullarbor. Fire activity is predicted to increase tomorrow and on Friday. | It is still unpleasantly warm here in Melbourne, and across much of southern Australia east of the Nullarbor. Fire activity is predicted to increase tomorrow and on Friday. |
| Here is a roundup of where things stand: | Here is a roundup of where things stand: |
| Tuesday, 17 December, was Australia’s hottest day on record. Ever. The average maximum temperature across the country was 40.9C. | Tuesday, 17 December, was Australia’s hottest day on record. Ever. The average maximum temperature across the country was 40.9C. |
| Temperatures of 46C and above were recorded in multiple localities in three states (SA, WA, NT) on Wednesday. | Temperatures of 46C and above were recorded in multiple localities in three states (SA, WA, NT) on Wednesday. |
| Preliminary results from the Bureau of Meteorology showed that December heat records were broken in 17 towns in South Australia on Wednesday. | Preliminary results from the Bureau of Meteorology showed that December heat records were broken in 17 towns in South Australia on Wednesday. |
| Extreme heatwave conditions will continue over the next few days, with temperatures peaking in South Australia and Victoria on Friday, and New South Wales on Saturday. | Extreme heatwave conditions will continue over the next few days, with temperatures peaking in South Australia and Victoria on Friday, and New South Wales on Saturday. |
| All of NSW, all of South Australia, large parts of Queensland, and northern Victoria have been placed under a total fire ban on Thursday. | All of NSW, all of South Australia, large parts of Queensland, and northern Victoria have been placed under a total fire ban on Thursday. |
| We are about to head into three really high fire danger days: Greater Sydney, the Illawarra and the Southern Ranges regions of NSW have extreme fire danger tomorrow. South Australia will have catastrophic fire danger in some regions on Friday, with extreme and severe danger in others, and Victoria is forecast to have extreme fire danger in two regions on Friday. | We are about to head into three really high fire danger days: Greater Sydney, the Illawarra and the Southern Ranges regions of NSW have extreme fire danger tomorrow. South Australia will have catastrophic fire danger in some regions on Friday, with extreme and severe danger in others, and Victoria is forecast to have extreme fire danger in two regions on Friday. |
| We still don’t know where Scott Morrison is. | We still don’t know where Scott Morrison is. |
| Stay safe, drink a lot of water, and we’ll see you tomorrow. | Stay safe, drink a lot of water, and we’ll see you tomorrow. |
| Queensland fire update | Queensland fire update |
| As of Wednesday afternoon there were about 70 bushfires burning across Queensland. | As of Wednesday afternoon there were about 70 bushfires burning across Queensland. |
| Evacuation warnings were issued for fires near Bundaberg and in the Gold Coast hinterland. | Evacuation warnings were issued for fires near Bundaberg and in the Gold Coast hinterland. |
| Residents at Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast were told to leave at 3.30pm, while residents near the Cainbable, Carneys Creek, Mount Maria and Gregory River fires were told to be ready to leave. | Residents at Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast were told to leave at 3.30pm, while residents near the Cainbable, Carneys Creek, Mount Maria and Gregory River fires were told to be ready to leave. |
| Queensland Fire and Emergency Service said more than 30 crews were working on fires at Peregian Springs, Weyba Downs and Noosa Heads as conditions are expected to worsen. | Queensland Fire and Emergency Service said more than 30 crews were working on fires at Peregian Springs, Weyba Downs and Noosa Heads as conditions are expected to worsen. |
| The fire is travelling north-west and may affect Lakewood Drive and Monak Road. Residents have been told to flee along Murdering Creek Road onto the Sunshine Motorway (also known as Emu Mountain Road) and travel south-west towards Coolum. The Sunshine Motorway has been closed both directions at the Doonan roundabout. | The fire is travelling north-west and may affect Lakewood Drive and Monak Road. Residents have been told to flee along Murdering Creek Road onto the Sunshine Motorway (also known as Emu Mountain Road) and travel south-west towards Coolum. The Sunshine Motorway has been closed both directions at the Doonan roundabout. |
| Fire crews have been using a water-bombing aircraft on the large and fast-moving fire at Carneys Creek, in the Scenic Rim region. | Fire crews have been using a water-bombing aircraft on the large and fast-moving fire at Carneys Creek, in the Scenic Rim region. |
| A man in his 50s received burns to his face, neck and arms while battling a blaze at Lowmead, in the Wide Bay region north of Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon, AAP reported. | A man in his 50s received burns to his face, neck and arms while battling a blaze at Lowmead, in the Wide Bay region north of Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon, AAP reported. |
| A 60-year-old woman at the same property has burns to her face and airway, while another man in his 50s suffered respiratory issues. All three were taken to hospital in a stable condition. | A 60-year-old woman at the same property has burns to her face and airway, while another man in his 50s suffered respiratory issues. All three were taken to hospital in a stable condition. |
| It was hot pretty much everywhere, but these weather stations recorded the highest temperatures, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. | It was hot pretty much everywhere, but these weather stations recorded the highest temperatures, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. |
| NSWSmithville — 44C at 2.30pmBorrona Downs — 43.1C at 3.20pmTibooburra airport — 42.9C at 3.14pmVictoriaWalpeup — 44.1 at 3.19pmHopetoun airport — 42.9C at 3.03pmWarracknabeal airport — 42.6C at 2.59pmQueenslandBirdsville — 47.7C at 1.42pmUrandangi — 46.4C at 2.02pmBallera — 45.3C at 2.19pmACTCanberra — 36.7C at 3.20pmWestern AustraliaMandora Station — 46.9C at 12.24pmFitzroy Crossing — 46.8C at 12.24pmMarble Bar — 46.1C at 12.11pmSouth AustraliaWudinna airport — 46.9C at 3.04pmTarcoola — 46.6C at 3.03pmCeduna — 46.5C at 1.43pmNorthern TerritoryWalungurru (Kintore) — 46.4C at 2.16pmRabbit Flat — 46.1 at 2.14pmJervois — at 45.9 2.13pmTasmaniaOuse — 31.2C at 3.40pmFingal — 30.9C at 3.18pmBushy Park — 30.6C at 3.38pm | NSWSmithville — 44C at 2.30pmBorrona Downs — 43.1C at 3.20pmTibooburra airport — 42.9C at 3.14pmVictoriaWalpeup — 44.1 at 3.19pmHopetoun airport — 42.9C at 3.03pmWarracknabeal airport — 42.6C at 2.59pmQueenslandBirdsville — 47.7C at 1.42pmUrandangi — 46.4C at 2.02pmBallera — 45.3C at 2.19pmACTCanberra — 36.7C at 3.20pmWestern AustraliaMandora Station — 46.9C at 12.24pmFitzroy Crossing — 46.8C at 12.24pmMarble Bar — 46.1C at 12.11pmSouth AustraliaWudinna airport — 46.9C at 3.04pmTarcoola — 46.6C at 3.03pmCeduna — 46.5C at 1.43pmNorthern TerritoryWalungurru (Kintore) — 46.4C at 2.16pmRabbit Flat — 46.1 at 2.14pmJervois — at 45.9 2.13pmTasmaniaOuse — 31.2C at 3.40pmFingal — 30.9C at 3.18pmBushy Park — 30.6C at 3.38pm |
| Large parts of South Australia will experience catastrophic or extreme fire danger on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology has said. | Large parts of South Australia will experience catastrophic or extreme fire danger on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology has said. |
| A catastrophic rating has been declared for Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the lower south-east, while extreme fire danger is forecast for the lower Eyre Peninsula, the mid-north, and Yorke Peninsula. The rest of the state will experience severe fire danger conditions. | A catastrophic rating has been declared for Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the lower south-east, while extreme fire danger is forecast for the lower Eyre Peninsula, the mid-north, and Yorke Peninsula. The rest of the state will experience severe fire danger conditions. |
| Catastrophic, called code red in some states, is the highest fire danger rating and denotes conditions in which bushfires are not survivable. | Catastrophic, called code red in some states, is the highest fire danger rating and denotes conditions in which bushfires are not survivable. |
| The rating was added after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, in which 173 people died. | The rating was added after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, in which 173 people died. |
| Catastrophic fire danger ratings are usually accompanied by a preliminary evacuation order, before the fire has even started. The line used by emergency services is that it is not a question of if a fire will start on a day like that, but when and where. Residents in bushfire-prone properties — basically anyone living in a rural area or small village — are usually advised to be away from home. | Catastrophic fire danger ratings are usually accompanied by a preliminary evacuation order, before the fire has even started. The line used by emergency services is that it is not a question of if a fire will start on a day like that, but when and where. Residents in bushfire-prone properties — basically anyone living in a rural area or small village — are usually advised to be away from home. |
| Thousands across Victoria are without power as the state swelters, with just one day of respite from the hot weather before the mercury soars again. | Thousands across Victoria are without power as the state swelters, with just one day of respite from the hot weather before the mercury soars again. |
| Melbourne reached a scorching 39.7C just before 3pm today, while the state’s northwest is expecting to crack the mid-40s, AAP has reported. | Melbourne reached a scorching 39.7C just before 3pm today, while the state’s northwest is expecting to crack the mid-40s, AAP has reported. |
| Power went out out for about 3,000 PowerCorp customers in Werribee and surrounding suburbs about 4pm. Crews are working to restore power to about 2,000 who still don’t have it. | Power went out out for about 3,000 PowerCorp customers in Werribee and surrounding suburbs about 4pm. Crews are working to restore power to about 2,000 who still don’t have it. |
| The Bureau of Meteorology expects a southerly wind change to bring temperatures slightly down overnight, with milder conditions across southern areas forecast for tomorrow. | The Bureau of Meteorology expects a southerly wind change to bring temperatures slightly down overnight, with milder conditions across southern areas forecast for tomorrow. |
| It will stay hot in the north, with a total fire ban in place for the region. | It will stay hot in the north, with a total fire ban in place for the region. |
| The mild weather will be short-lived, as Friday’s maximum temperature in Melbourne has been upgraded to 43C, with a chance the city could record its hottest December day since a temperature of 43.7C in 1876. | The mild weather will be short-lived, as Friday’s maximum temperature in Melbourne has been upgraded to 43C, with a chance the city could record its hottest December day since a temperature of 43.7C in 1876. |
| “Northerly winds are going to bring that very hot air over the north right down across the state right down to the coast, so 43C in the city some suburbs even nudging 44C,” Mr Stewart said. | “Northerly winds are going to bring that very hot air over the north right down across the state right down to the coast, so 43C in the city some suburbs even nudging 44C,” Mr Stewart said. |
| Response Controller Gavin Freeman said while the state’s fire agencies and emergency managers are on alert and prepared for the conditions, it was vital the rest of the community were also prepared. | Response Controller Gavin Freeman said while the state’s fire agencies and emergency managers are on alert and prepared for the conditions, it was vital the rest of the community were also prepared. |
| “We urge all Victorians to be aware that fires can happen anywhere and without warning, and to make their plans accordingly,” he said in a statement. | “We urge all Victorians to be aware that fires can happen anywhere and without warning, and to make their plans accordingly,” he said in a statement. |
| “Fire agency crews are well prepared and it’s extremely important that the community is also prepared, not only for the next couple of days, but for the months to come”. | “Fire agency crews are well prepared and it’s extremely important that the community is also prepared, not only for the next couple of days, but for the months to come”. |
| As the mercury climbs, authorities are warning people to prepare for the hot weather. | As the mercury climbs, authorities are warning people to prepare for the hot weather. |
| “With dry, windy and close to 40 degree days predicted, we want everyone to be alert to the symptoms of heat-related illnesses,” Ambulance Victoria’s Justin Dunlop said. | “With dry, windy and close to 40 degree days predicted, we want everyone to be alert to the symptoms of heat-related illnesses,” Ambulance Victoria’s Justin Dunlop said. |
| Heat-related illness symptoms include heat rash, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fainting. | Heat-related illness symptoms include heat rash, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and fainting. |
| Residents are urged to check on their neighbours, infants, the elderly and expectant mothers who are some of the most vulnerable in this weather. | Residents are urged to check on their neighbours, infants, the elderly and expectant mothers who are some of the most vulnerable in this weather. |
| There are currently 100 bush and grass fires burning in New South Wales, 54 of which are uncontained. | There are currently 100 bush and grass fires burning in New South Wales, 54 of which are uncontained. |
| And remember: the heatwave will not move east of Wagga Wagga until tomorrow. | And remember: the heatwave will not move east of Wagga Wagga until tomorrow. |
| The SA Country Fire Service has just declared a statewide total fire ban for tomorrow. | The SA Country Fire Service has just declared a statewide total fire ban for tomorrow. |
| New South Wales is already under a total fire ban – it started at midnight last night and will not lift until midnight Saturday. | New South Wales is already under a total fire ban – it started at midnight last night and will not lift until midnight Saturday. |
| Victoria will have a total fire ban in the northern and north-east districts tomorrow. | Victoria will have a total fire ban in the northern and north-east districts tomorrow. |
| Here’s a brief list of the things you cannot do under a total fire ban: | Here’s a brief list of the things you cannot do under a total fire ban: |
| Light a campfire of any type or use a barbecue unless it is fuelled solely by gas or electricity, is commercially manufactured or part of a permanently fixed structure, and is three metres from any flammable material. | Light a campfire of any type or use a barbecue unless it is fuelled solely by gas or electricity, is commercially manufactured or part of a permanently fixed structure, and is three metres from any flammable material. |
| Use a solid fuel barbecue, such as a spitroast. | Use a solid fuel barbecue, such as a spitroast. |
| Use a scaring gun. | Use a scaring gun. |
| Drive a vehicle with a dodgy muffler over long grass or crops. | Drive a vehicle with a dodgy muffler over long grass or crops. |
| Weld with the door open. | Weld with the door open. |
| Extract honey. | Extract honey. |
| I have a much needed bit of good news about one of the victims of the NSW bushfires. | I have a much needed bit of good news about one of the victims of the NSW bushfires. |
| Nina Jongen’s family home was one of 85 destroyed in the fire that went through Nymboida on 8 November. The mud brick property was built by her parents 32 years ago when she was just a year old. Like many of the more than 700 families who have lost their homes in the NSW fires so far this year, she was facing spending Christmas in temporary accomodation. | Nina Jongen’s family home was one of 85 destroyed in the fire that went through Nymboida on 8 November. The mud brick property was built by her parents 32 years ago when she was just a year old. Like many of the more than 700 families who have lost their homes in the NSW fires so far this year, she was facing spending Christmas in temporary accomodation. |
| And then she won a tiny home. | And then she won a tiny home. |
| A friend entered her in the Amazon Prime competition, and the tiny house was delivered to her family property, complete with Christmas tree and presents, on Wednesday. | A friend entered her in the Amazon Prime competition, and the tiny house was delivered to her family property, complete with Christmas tree and presents, on Wednesday. |
| She says: | She says: |
| An extreme heatwave emergency warning has been issued for the Murraylands district of South Australia, which is forecast to have temperatures in the mid-40s all week with no real respite overnight. | An extreme heatwave emergency warning has been issued for the Murraylands district of South Australia, which is forecast to have temperatures in the mid-40s all week with no real respite overnight. |
| According to the alert issued by the SA state emergency services: | According to the alert issued by the SA state emergency services: |
| The recommendations are: stay indoors if you can. If you must exercise, do so in the early morning or in the evening and do a less arduous routine. | The recommendations are: stay indoors if you can. If you must exercise, do so in the early morning or in the evening and do a less arduous routine. |
| Drink plenty of water, and plan ahead if you’re taking public transport as there may be delays. If you’re going camping, don’t pitch your tent under a tree – eucalypts can drop branches in the heat. | Drink plenty of water, and plan ahead if you’re taking public transport as there may be delays. If you’re going camping, don’t pitch your tent under a tree – eucalypts can drop branches in the heat. |
| That huge Gospers Mountain fire north and west of Sydney is now an emergency level incident again. | That huge Gospers Mountain fire north and west of Sydney is now an emergency level incident again. |
| The fire is out of control, and has so far burned through more than 415,000 hectares, including through several national parks, state forests and residential areas. | The fire is out of control, and has so far burned through more than 415,000 hectares, including through several national parks, state forests and residential areas. |
| See the RFS website and the Fires Near Me app for more specific info about particular areas – the size of the affected area from this fire is huge. | See the RFS website and the Fires Near Me app for more specific info about particular areas – the size of the affected area from this fire is huge. |
| This relates to a watch and act fire at Peregian Springs, north of Brisbane on the Queensland coast. | This relates to a watch and act fire at Peregian Springs, north of Brisbane on the Queensland coast. |
| The QFES says conditions are getting worse. | The QFES says conditions are getting worse. |
| “Fire crews and waterbombing aircraft are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Queensland police are door-knocking in the area. Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.” | “Fire crews and waterbombing aircraft are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Queensland police are door-knocking in the area. Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.” |
| Smithville in north-western NSW recorded a temperature of 44C this afternoon, the highest in the state. | Smithville in north-western NSW recorded a temperature of 44C this afternoon, the highest in the state. |
| Wilcannia recorded a temperature of 42.5C, Borrona Downs 43.1C, Tibooburra 42.9C. | Wilcannia recorded a temperature of 42.5C, Borrona Downs 43.1C, Tibooburra 42.9C. |
| According to the Bureau of Meteorology it’s only going to get worse. | According to the Bureau of Meteorology it’s only going to get worse. |
| “We’ve got some very hot air that will be dragged from central Australia into NSW by northerly and westerly winds over the next couple of days,” said a spokeswoman, Elli Blandford. “This will bring hot temperatures to most of NSW up to the mid 40s in most of inland NSW for the next couple of days. | “We’ve got some very hot air that will be dragged from central Australia into NSW by northerly and westerly winds over the next couple of days,” said a spokeswoman, Elli Blandford. “This will bring hot temperatures to most of NSW up to the mid 40s in most of inland NSW for the next couple of days. |
| “We’re expecting very hot temperatures, well above averages for this time of year.” | “We’re expecting very hot temperatures, well above averages for this time of year.” |
| It’s wise to take more notice of the BoM’s recordings, but that’s still pretty hot down in Port Augusta. | It’s wise to take more notice of the BoM’s recordings, but that’s still pretty hot down in Port Augusta. |