NSW firefighters head south amid concern Vic blazes could jump border
The Murray River, which forms much of the border between the two states, helps limit the spread.
“There is a natural break there, the fire would have to spread quite a long distance but it is possible.
“Under these conditions, embers can travel quite a long way,” Curtin said.
A sheep after a bushfire near Longwood East, Victoria.Credit: Jason South
High temperatures and strong winds are expected on Saturday, meaning there are “even more extreme predictions for fire behavior in many parts of the state, including Sydney”.
Dozens of fires broke out around NSW on Friday morning, but none have yet risen above advisory levels.
Extreme fire danger is expected in Greater Sydney, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Southern Ranges, Southern Slopes and Monaro Alpine regions on Saturday.
“High temperatures and winds in eastern NSW will increase fire dangers and reach extreme levels, including in Sydney metro. [area]said bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully.
The sun rises over Bossley Park during the Sydney heatwave on Friday morning.Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
Curtin encouraged people who have not yet downloaded the Dangers Near Me app to regularly monitor conditions during expected high temperatures and strong winds.
“It’s really important for everyone to be prepared for extreme fire conditions,” he said.
A total fire ban is likely to be imposed in multiple regions if the RFS makes statements before the heatwave reaches its peak on Friday afternoon.
A swimmer swims at Parriwi Beach during a heatwave in Sydney.Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
Temperatures topped 30 degrees at midday on Friday as the heatwave continued to build across much of Sydney, except for Sydney Harbor and nearby Observatory Hill.
Penrith was heading towards 42 degrees on Friday afternoon, after topping 41 degrees on Thursday.
Blacktown and Campbelltown were also expected to reach 40 degrees; The highest temperature in Liverpool was 39 degrees and in Parramatta it was 38 degrees.
After several days of slow baking, Sydney will go into the oven on Saturday as temperatures soar to 42 degrees in the city and 43 degrees out west.
The heatwave is expected to gradually subside on Sunday as a southwest-to-south shift brings milder temperatures.
Temperatures in Penrith are expected to top 25 degrees and temperatures are expected to reach 26 degrees in the city on Sunday.
