Heatwave triggers extreme danger in state
Extreme fire danger has settled over large swathes of NSW as temperatures soar and wind gusts create dangerous bushfire conditions.
There are 75 fires burning across the state, with 22 not yet contained, all under advice level warnings, according to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
“With hot, dry and windy conditions forecast, the majority of the state will experience extreme and high fire danger,” the fire service said in a statement at 9am on Monday.
A high of 35C is forecast for Sydney’s west, and coastal residents will not receive much relief with a maximum temperature of 33C expected in the city’s east.
Seven regions have total fire bans in place including Greater Sydney, as far south as Braidwood and up to Lightning Ridge.
80 fires burn in Queensland
Queenslanders remain on high alert as they wait to be told when they can return to their homes as the state’s fire emergency continues.
At least 35 homes have been lost and 30,000 hectares of land has been burnt in the blazes.
An emergency warning has been downgraded to Watch and Act for the communities of Tara, Wieambilla and The Gums. Residents have been told it is still not safe to return.
Residents have been told to not expect a firefighter at their door.
An alert for residents in Condamine, Barramornie and Kogan has been downgraded to Advice level just before 10am on Monday.
Meanwhile, it is still not safe for residents in Tara and Montrose North to return to their homes.
Watch and Act alerts were also remain for Carnarvon Gorge and surrounding areas in the central highlands.
Residents in Colosseum and Mount Tom in the Gladstone region have been urged to stay away from their homes as it remains not safe to return.
The fire along Lowmead Road is still burning and is travelling towards the Bruce Highway and Fingerboard Road.
Australia Zoo in the firing line
Firefighting aircraft are working to extinguish a fire at Landsborough, a few kilometres away from the iconic 283ha zoo operated by the Irwin family.
The “large fast-moving fire” remains at the watch and act level as of 5pm on Sunday and is travelling towards Hardwood Rd.
Residents between Steve Irwin Way, Graham Drive, Fraser Rd, and Hardwood Rd have been warned that “conditions could get worse quickly” and they should be prepared to leave.
“Firefighters are working to control the fire. You should not expect a firefighter at your door,” the QFES said on its website.
Australia Zoo issued a statement on Monday morning saying it was “currently safe” but monitoring the situation closely.
“Australia Zoo is actively liaising with the QFES to monitor the current bushfires near Beerwah,” a spokesperson said.
“We also have well-established fire protocols, extensive equipment and trained personnel here at Australia Zoo.
Sky News meteorologist Alison Osborne said conditions had improved but warned hot winds coming down from the outback could push several regions across New South Wales into danger on Monday.
The North Western, Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains, Central Rangers, Greater Sydney Region, Illawarra/Shoalhaven and Southern Ranges regions have been issued an Extreme fire danger rating.
While temperatures are set to drop across the region on Tuesday, Ms Osborne said conditions in Southern Queensland will “spike”.
“We could see further flare ups. There is nothing coming to put out those fires just yet,” she said.
