With an unprecedented heatwave gripping much of the country, grey nomads travelling in rural areas are being urged to be on extreme alert as the bushfire risk goes off the scale.
Many national parks in New South Wales have already been closed and authorities have also warned that local roads may be closed at short notice. The Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, says the state is facing the worst possible fire conditions.
Dozens of bush and grass fires have been burning out of control, and the Greater Hunter, the Central Ranges and the state’s north west are all listed as having ‘catastrophic’ conditions.
When a fire starts in areas classified as ‘catastrophic’, unless emergency services are in the area act early, the blaze is unlikely to be contained and it may be too late to evacuate.
“History will show too many lives are lost when people are leaving at the last minute,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said. “The only safe place to be is not in these areas … fires will start easily, and spread quickly, this might happen before anyone is aware … the risk is real, complacency and lethargy kills.”
A statewide fire ban is in place, with temperatures in places such as Tamworth, Moree, Walgett and Bourke hitting the mid-40s and above. On Saturday morning, White Cliffs broke the 102-year-old record for the highest minimum in NSW … 34.2C at 7am.
The searing heat hasn’t deterred some from getting out and about … but many have regretted it. After three bushwalkers were rescued from the Marramarra National Park suffering mild heat exposure and dehydration, police begged the public to use some commonsense.
“The simple message is stay out of the national parks and state forests and make sure you avoid any outdoor activities that will put you at risk,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Kyle Stewart said.
Queensland has also been sweltering with Birdsville recording temperatures in the high 40s, and Warwick, Applethorpe and Oakey all sweating through their hottest ever days.
· Have you been affected by the bushfires? Have you changed your plans because of the risks? Comment below.
