Homes, shacks damaged as fire emergencies hit states
More than a dozen houses and shacks were damaged by the out-of-control fire, and authorities warned it was not safe to return.
Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries as crews battled a blaze at Dolphin Sands on Tasmania’s east coast.
While extreme weather conditions are affecting the east coast of Australia, many fires are burning at emergency level in NSW.
Conditions in Tasmania have improved as winds eased, despite temperatures rising rapidly across the country.
A watch and act warning is still in effect for the seaside town of Dolphin Sands, which is still trying to recover after losing their home in the 2023 bushfire.
Residents were told it was not safe to return.
Tasmanian Fire Marshal Jeremy Smith confirmed 19 houses and sheds were damaged, as well as 15 outbuildings and four vehicles.
“We believe we have lost a lot of structures in this area,” he said.
“This number may increase as crews move through the fire area, secure the area and assess the damage.”
The watch and act warning has been dropped in Glenlusk, northwest of Hobart.
Meanwhile, a heatwave warning and two urgent bushfire warnings are in place for residents in parts of NSW.
Residents near Beni Road, outside Dubbo, were told to seek shelter immediately as the fire affected homes and properties.
A second fire in Bulahdelah has been upgraded to emergency level and Crawford River residents along Emu Creek Road south of Booral Road have been told to seek shelter immediately.
A severe heatwave warning is in place for parts of NSW, with conditions expected to peak on Friday and Saturday, with maximum temperatures reaching the mid-30s to low 40s.
Temperatures are expected to decrease on Sunday.
Victorians have not been spared severe conditions where hot, dry and windy weather expected on Friday afternoon could increase fire activity.
Firefighters are working to contain a bushfire that has affected at least three properties at Markwood, 280km northeast of Melbourne.
Authorities are concerned that the wind, blowing from the northwest at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour, may reach up to 70 kilometers per hour in the coming hours.
Meanwhile, South Australian fire crews are on high alert due to grass fires across the state, while some fires are at advisory level due to the ongoing heat wave in Western Australia.
Australia’s Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national news channel and has been providing accurate, reliable and fast-paced news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We inform Australia.
