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Australia fires live: NSW, Victoria and SA bushfires rage as PM calls up ADF reserve – latest updates Australia fires live: NSW, Victoria and SA bushfires rage as PM calls up ADF reserve – latest updates
(32 minutes later)
Scott Morrison has called up ADF reservists to help in the bushfire crisis. Two people have died in SA fires on Kangaroo Island, as New South Wales and Victoria face more horrendous conditions. Follow live news and latest updatesScott Morrison has called up ADF reservists to help in the bushfire crisis. Two people have died in SA fires on Kangaroo Island, as New South Wales and Victoria face more horrendous conditions. Follow live news and latest updates
The prime minister has bobbed up on ABC news radio. He’s asked why it has taken so long for the government to announce the response that was unveiled today. Scott Morrison says the government has been respecting the states and their requests, but he said his time in fire grounds this week has persuaded him that the Commonwealth needed to integrate with the state efforts.
While Morrison squabbles with the host on ABC radio, Victorian authorities are providing an update. I’ll bring you that next.
In Canberra, the smoke isn’t too bad right at the moment (famous last words given the situation around the ACT) but my trusty weather app tells me it’s 42C. Reporter Jasper Lindell at the Canberra Times says temperatures in the city hit 43.6C – the highest reading ever recorded in the city, beating a 1968 Canberra Airport record and a 1939 record.
Back to the Snowy region in NSW. Scott Lonard is the RFS group captain in charge of the Adaminaby Complex fire which was upgraded to emergency level a few minutes ago. Lonard told me a little bit earlier that he arrived in the Snowy Mountains at about 11pm last night from Penrith with 10 tankers. Five have been sent to another emergency fire near Cooma and the rest are here.
He’s pretty frank about the prospects of stopping the fire. There are two properties out here on Yaouk Road that he’s worried about – but he won’t send his crews any further in where the forest starts. “We’ll do our best but five trucks for this much space isn’t going to be enough”, he told me.
The fire has been building here just north of the town of Adaminaby for a few hours now and the whole area is thick with smoke. Just before it was upgraded to an emergency level warning, Lonard said he feared it would get worse as the afternoon progresses.
“If you see me running, try to keep up”, he told us.
More vision from eastern Victoria.
With conditions now highly variable as the heat intensifies and the winds change, let’s do a very quick stocktake of events so far today.With conditions now highly variable as the heat intensifies and the winds change, let’s do a very quick stocktake of events so far today.
Tragically, two more deaths have been confirmed this morning on Kangaroo Island. The Kangaroo Island fire has destroyed much of the Flinders Chase National Park.Tragically, two more deaths have been confirmed this morning on Kangaroo Island. The Kangaroo Island fire has destroyed much of the Flinders Chase National Park.
Emergency alerts remain current for a number of fire-affected regions in NSW and Victoria, with comprehensive updates from authorities expected a bit later this afternoon.Emergency alerts remain current for a number of fire-affected regions in NSW and Victoria, with comprehensive updates from authorities expected a bit later this afternoon.
Scott Morrison has called out the ADF reserve to help manage the disaster and the HMAS Adelaide, the navy’s largest amphibious ship, has been readied to join the current ships in supporting the evacuation of citizens from fire affected areas along the coastline. The prime minister has also committed up to $20m to lease four extra planes to meet any anticipated future requests from the premiers. That will include two long range fixed wings DC-10s with 30,000 litres capacity and two medium range large air tankers with an 11,000 litre capacity.Scott Morrison has called out the ADF reserve to help manage the disaster and the HMAS Adelaide, the navy’s largest amphibious ship, has been readied to join the current ships in supporting the evacuation of citizens from fire affected areas along the coastline. The prime minister has also committed up to $20m to lease four extra planes to meet any anticipated future requests from the premiers. That will include two long range fixed wings DC-10s with 30,000 litres capacity and two medium range large air tankers with an 11,000 litre capacity.
The NSW RFS says a fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire on the northern edge of the fire near Nowra. “This is a very dangerous situation. Monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action,” the alert says.The NSW RFS says a fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire on the northern edge of the fire near Nowra. “This is a very dangerous situation. Monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action,” the alert says.
Across the border in Mallacoota it looks like midnight in the middle of the afternoon. I can’t actually watch this short clip without feeling deeply anxious. This is how it looked in Canberra in 2003.Across the border in Mallacoota it looks like midnight in the middle of the afternoon. I can’t actually watch this short clip without feeling deeply anxious. This is how it looked in Canberra in 2003.
Let’s check Victoria for the latest from VicEmergency.Let’s check Victoria for the latest from VicEmergency.
An emergency warning is being issued for Biggara, Tintaldra, Towong, Towong Upper, Walwa and surrounding communities.An emergency warning is being issued for Biggara, Tintaldra, Towong, Towong Upper, Walwa and surrounding communities.
As at 13.00 hours increased fire conditions have been observed. You need to continue to monitor conditions.As at 13.00 hours increased fire conditions have been observed. You need to continue to monitor conditions.
The Murray Valley Highway is closed in both directions due to increased potential for impact from the fire.The Murray Valley Highway is closed in both directions due to increased potential for impact from the fire.
Fire weather today Saturday 4 January is predicted to be extreme, creating fire storm conditions which may not be survivable.Fire weather today Saturday 4 January is predicted to be extreme, creating fire storm conditions which may not be survivable.
A wind change is expected late this afternoon or early this evening, which will cause the fire to change direction towards the northeast. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.A wind change is expected late this afternoon or early this evening, which will cause the fire to change direction towards the northeast. Conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave. You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave. You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.
An emergency warning is being issued for Buchan, Buchan South.An emergency warning is being issued for Buchan, Buchan South.
There is a bushfire at Buchan Valley that is not yet under control.There is a bushfire at Buchan Valley that is not yet under control.
Fire activity is increasing in the area.Fire activity is increasing in the area.
The Bruthen-Buchan Road south of Buchan is now closed due to fire impact.The Bruthen-Buchan Road south of Buchan is now closed due to fire impact.
It is now too late to leave. Enact your bushfire survival plan now. The safest option is to take shelter indoors.It is now too late to leave. Enact your bushfire survival plan now. The safest option is to take shelter indoors.
An emergency warning is being issued for Gelantipy, Murrindal, W Tree.An emergency warning is being issued for Gelantipy, Murrindal, W Tree.
There is a bushfire at Buchan Valley that is out of control.There is a bushfire at Buchan Valley that is out of control.
This fire is threatening homes and lives.This fire is threatening homes and lives.
W Tree, Murrindal and Gelantipy could be impacted at any time.W Tree, Murrindal and Gelantipy could be impacted at any time.
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.
This Watch & Act message is being issued for Angusvale, Cobbannah, Crooked River, Dargo, Glenaladale, Iguana Creek, Tabberabbera, Wongungarra and surrounds.This Watch & Act message is being issued for Angusvale, Cobbannah, Crooked River, Dargo, Glenaladale, Iguana Creek, Tabberabbera, Wongungarra and surrounds.
The bushfires to the north and east of Dargo and to the east of Glenaladale are continuing to grow and move.The bushfires to the north and east of Dargo and to the east of Glenaladale are continuing to grow and move.
Firefighters will not be able to control these fires in today’s predicted weather conditions.Firefighters will not be able to control these fires in today’s predicted weather conditions.
This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 8.56am.This Watch and Act replaces the Watch and Act issued at 8.56am.
Don’t wait, leaving now is the safest option – conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.Don’t wait, leaving now is the safest option – conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Back to NSW, I mentioned the warning for Dunns Road. There are now several warnings current. In addition to the one I mentioned a minute ago:Back to NSW, I mentioned the warning for Dunns Road. There are now several warnings current. In addition to the one I mentioned a minute ago:
EMERGENCY WARNING - Currowan Fire (Shoalhaven LGA) The fire has crossed the Shoalhaven River. If you are in the areas of Coolendel and North Nowra or Wandandian, Tomerong, Palmer and Basin View, it is too late to leave.EMERGENCY WARNING - Currowan Fire (Shoalhaven LGA) The fire has crossed the Shoalhaven River. If you are in the areas of Coolendel and North Nowra or Wandandian, Tomerong, Palmer and Basin View, it is too late to leave.
EMERGENCY WARNING – Clyde Mountain (Eurobodalla LGA) If you are in North Batemans Bay, Surfside, Long Beach, South Durras, Maloneys Beach and Long Beach it is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches.EMERGENCY WARNING – Clyde Mountain (Eurobodalla LGA) If you are in North Batemans Bay, Surfside, Long Beach, South Durras, Maloneys Beach and Long Beach it is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
EMERGENCY WARNING – Clyde Mountain (Eurobodalla LGA) Areas north of the Moruya River including Mogendoura, Polwombra and across to the coast near Moruya Airport. It is too late to leave. Seek shelter as fire approaches.EMERGENCY WARNING – Clyde Mountain (Eurobodalla LGA) Areas north of the Moruya River including Mogendoura, Polwombra and across to the coast near Moruya Airport. It is too late to leave. Seek shelter as fire approaches.
EMERGENCY WARNING - Green Wattle Creek (Wollondilly LGA) Fire activity is increasing in the area of Wombeyan Caves, Bullio and surrounding areas. If you are in this area, it is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches.EMERGENCY WARNING - Green Wattle Creek (Wollondilly LGA) Fire activity is increasing in the area of Wombeyan Caves, Bullio and surrounding areas. If you are in this area, it is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
Also: this for traffic in that vicinity.Also: this for traffic in that vicinity.
MOGO TO MORUYA: The Princes Highway is closed in both directions between Tomakin Road and North Head Drive due to bush fire. Broulee Road is also closed. Stay away.MOGO TO MORUYA: The Princes Highway is closed in both directions between Tomakin Road and North Head Drive due to bush fire. Broulee Road is also closed. Stay away.
Ominous over the border at Mallacoota too.Ominous over the border at Mallacoota too.
The NSW RFS has just issued an emergency warning for Dunns Road (Snowy Valleys LGA). Fire activity has increased in the area of Ellerslie, Adelong and surrounds. It is now too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches.The NSW RFS has just issued an emergency warning for Dunns Road (Snowy Valleys LGA). Fire activity has increased in the area of Ellerslie, Adelong and surrounds. It is now too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
I spent Christmas in the bush between Tilba and Cobargo hoping to escape the heavy smoke in Canberra. My family left 48 hours before disaster struck. Things are looking ominous in Narooma this afternoon, just up the road.I spent Christmas in the bush between Tilba and Cobargo hoping to escape the heavy smoke in Canberra. My family left 48 hours before disaster struck. Things are looking ominous in Narooma this afternoon, just up the road.
It’s currently 42C in Canberra. My weather app tells me it’s 46C in Sydney and 47C in Penrith in the west of the city.It’s currently 42C in Canberra. My weather app tells me it’s 46C in Sydney and 47C in Penrith in the west of the city.
An update from Helen, who sent me the last blog post while I was watching the prime minister.An update from Helen, who sent me the last blog post while I was watching the prime minister.
Now she tells me: a senior RFS source says 20 new fires have broken out between Nowra and Batemans Bay, and that fire crews are being pulled out of the Snowy Mountains, east of Jindabyne.Now she tells me: a senior RFS source says 20 new fires have broken out between Nowra and Batemans Bay, and that fire crews are being pulled out of the Snowy Mountains, east of Jindabyne.
“It’s turned to shit,” he said.“It’s turned to shit,” he said.
Longreach sits along the shore of the Shoalhaven river, the scattering of houses along the single road surrounded by towering trees. It’s a beautiful corner of the world to make your own, but today it’s literally in the firing line. At one property we find a group of people who have stayed to defend. At one house, three of them are sitting back watching the cricket. Taking comfort from it, just like Morrison said, its wryly noted. Longreach sits along the shore of the Shoalhaven river, the scattering of houses along the single road surrounded by towering trees. It’s a beautiful corner of the world to make your own, but today it’s literally in the firing line. At one property we find a group of people who have stayed to defend. At one house, three of them are sitting back watching the cricket. Taking comfort from it, just like Morrison said, it’s wryly noted.
They’re not complacent – they’re ready and it’s evident in the advice we’re given about getting into Longreach and later, getting out. They’re all current and former firefighters, and between them Brent Edwards reckon they’ve got about 300 years of firefighting experience.They’re not complacent – they’re ready and it’s evident in the advice we’re given about getting into Longreach and later, getting out. They’re all current and former firefighters, and between them Brent Edwards reckon they’ve got about 300 years of firefighting experience.
“And we’ve all got every bit of equipment known to man,” says retired firefighter, Edwards.“And we’ve all got every bit of equipment known to man,” says retired firefighter, Edwards.
We’ve got full structural uniforms if we need them, we’ve got breathing apparatus. WE’re pretty sorted – Flash has spent three weeks preparing this place. He’s got pumps set up everywhere, plenty of water. George down the bottom has four pumps sitting in his swimming pool. But he’s got a 25 acre paddock, he’s OK. Might get a bit of an ember attack but we’re a bit more exposed here. “We’ve got full structural uniforms if we need them, we’ve got breathing apparatus. We’re pretty sorted – Flash has spent three weeks preparing this place. He’s got pumps set up everywhere, plenty of water. George down the bottom has four pumps sitting in his swimming pool. But he’s got a 25 acre paddock, he’s OK. Might get a bit of an ember attack but we’re a bit more exposed here.
My concern is, as always, we’re for want of a better word experts. And we’ve got everything. What about the poor punters with just a garden hose?” “My concern is, as always, we’re, for want of a better word, experts. And we’ve got everything. What about the poor punters with just a garden hose?”
He says there’s a few people further down with less experience who have stayed.He says there’s a few people further down with less experience who have stayed.
“We’re all sort of old blokes now, there’s a couple of 70-year-olds among us. We’ll get out of dodge. We’ve got one boat down by the river and there’s another bloke coming up the river with another boat if we need to bail.” “We’re all sort of old blokes now, there’s a couple of 70-year-olds among us. We’ll get out of Dodge. We’ve got one boat down by the river and there’s another bloke coming up the river with another boat if we need to bail.”
Edwards is the former station commander of the Shoalhaven fire station, and was back here from the Gold Coast visiting his friends.Edwards is the former station commander of the Shoalhaven fire station, and was back here from the Gold Coast visiting his friends.
This situation is “incomparable” to anything he saw in his 35 years as a professional firefighter and a lifetime being a “student of the weather” as a surfer, fisherman and diver.This situation is “incomparable” to anything he saw in his 35 years as a professional firefighter and a lifetime being a “student of the weather” as a surfer, fisherman and diver.
“What’s causing climate change is for another day,” he says.“What’s causing climate change is for another day,” he says.
“They just have to admit that it’s changed dramatically and do something about it.“They just have to admit that it’s changed dramatically and do something about it.
I don’t know how you can have an opinion about science? How do you have an opinion about fact?” “I don’t know how you can have an opinion about science? How do you have an opinion about fact?”
The weather is entirely different than it used to be, just look at the lack of southerlies bringing rain this season, he says. Not to mention the wind behaviour in these fires. Across the firegrounds I’ve visited I’ve repeatedly heard about its unpredictability.The weather is entirely different than it used to be, just look at the lack of southerlies bringing rain this season, he says. Not to mention the wind behaviour in these fires. Across the firegrounds I’ve visited I’ve repeatedly heard about its unpredictability.
The conversation moves to the structure of the firefighting services in NSW, the logic of backburning, and funding – another big and complicated conversation for another day.The conversation moves to the structure of the firefighting services in NSW, the logic of backburning, and funding – another big and complicated conversation for another day.
Flash heads outside to “smell the air”, then turns on the pumps and comes back suggesting it’s probably a good time for us to go.Flash heads outside to “smell the air”, then turns on the pumps and comes back suggesting it’s probably a good time for us to go.
Let’s go to Victoria. The state department of environment, land, water and planning has issued an update for Gippsland, saying winds are strengthening and warning that, given the wide spread and sheer number of fires, they may not be able to get to towns to fight all blazes when they hit communities.Let’s go to Victoria. The state department of environment, land, water and planning has issued an update for Gippsland, saying winds are strengthening and warning that, given the wide spread and sheer number of fires, they may not be able to get to towns to fight all blazes when they hit communities.
“Conditions are heating up and wind is getting stronger across the region,” the latest update says. “Areas that have already been impacted may be impacted again- due to patches of unburnt material across the landscape. There is the potential for a number of communities to be impacted today”.“Conditions are heating up and wind is getting stronger across the region,” the latest update says. “Areas that have already been impacted may be impacted again- due to patches of unburnt material across the landscape. There is the potential for a number of communities to be impacted today”.
“Our focus is on protecting people and critical infrastructure in communities – so we will have crews and machinery in place where we can – but cannot guarantee a presence.”“Our focus is on protecting people and critical infrastructure in communities – so we will have crews and machinery in place where we can – but cannot guarantee a presence.”
That fire is within 8 kilometres of Omeo. More details can be found here.That fire is within 8 kilometres of Omeo. More details can be found here.
I might give you some thoughts about all that if time permits, but right now, we need to look what’s happening beyond the prime minister’s courtyard. Hang five. I’ll be back with a situation report on the fires.I might give you some thoughts about all that if time permits, but right now, we need to look what’s happening beyond the prime minister’s courtyard. Hang five. I’ll be back with a situation report on the fires.
There were questions about events in Iran, which I won’t delve into given the focus of the coverage today.There were questions about events in Iran, which I won’t delve into given the focus of the coverage today.
Morrison ended thusly:Morrison ended thusly:
Scott Morrison is pressed on the government’s lack of action on climate change. He’s asked whether he plans to increase the level of ambition.Scott Morrison is pressed on the government’s lack of action on climate change. He’s asked whether he plans to increase the level of ambition.
Morrison treads cautiously. He says the current policy is responsible and balanced. He says the negative feedback on the fire grounds is not about a lack of action on climate change, it’s about heavy fuel loads in bushland.Morrison treads cautiously. He says the current policy is responsible and balanced. He says the negative feedback on the fire grounds is not about a lack of action on climate change, it’s about heavy fuel loads in bushland.
But he sends a broad signal he’ll be raising all of these issues with the premiers. Climate change. Fuel loads. Land clearing. Planning regulations. It’s not entirely clear which issues specifically.But he sends a broad signal he’ll be raising all of these issues with the premiers. Climate change. Fuel loads. Land clearing. Planning regulations. It’s not entirely clear which issues specifically.
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
The prime minister says people under duress have mixed emotions and they display them. “These arms have given a lot of hugs in the last three months, in fact almost the last year and a half in which I have been prime minister.”The prime minister says people under duress have mixed emotions and they display them. “These arms have given a lot of hugs in the last three months, in fact almost the last year and a half in which I have been prime minister.”
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison: