Millions of residents across New South Wales are bracing for the first major heatwave of the summer, with authorities issuing several extreme fire danger warnings as temperatures soar.
State of Emergency as Conditions Worsen
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin expressed grave concern for Saturday, warning of widespread extreme conditions. "Today we're going to see extreme conditions across the state with, again, really strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity," Commissioner Curtin told 9News. He confirmed his team was "really concerned going into today" with the potential for bushfire conditions to wreak havoc.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts well above-average temperatures, with Sydney's mercury peaking at 37C and western suburbs nudging the low 40s. The state faces extreme fire danger ratings in seven areas and total fire bans in nine.
Active Blazes and Highway Closures
Fires continue to burn in the Hunter region, following the destruction of four homes in Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast. Firefighting efforts led to the closure of up to 100 kilometres of the M1 Pacific Highway from Twelve Mile Creek to Nabiac in both directions on Friday.
By Friday evening, easing conditions allowed firefighters to gain the upper hand in some areas. An emergency warning for residents near Beni Road, outside Dubbo, was downgraded, as was the bushfire at Bulahdelah.
Tasmania's Coastal Fire Crisis
Meanwhile, on Tasmania's east coast, an out-of-control fire at Dolphin Sands on Friday caused significant damage. More than a dozen homes, shacks, outbuildings and cars were damaged, and two firefighters were injured battling the blaze.
The fire, which has burnt more than 700 hectares, remains at 'watch and act' level, and residents have been urged not to return. Tasmania Fire Service Commissioner Jeremy Smith stated, "Emergency services and contractors are currently going through areas of the fireground to make it safe and assess the damage that has been caused."
Dozens of power poles were severely damaged, with TasNetworks confirming some residents will be without power for a week. Crews are deploying air and ground tankers to contain the fire while investigating its cause.
Nationwide Weather Threats
Meteorologist Jonathan How warned that thunderstorms forecast across much of southeast Australia bring the risk of dry lightning, which could spark new blazes. Temperatures are expected to ease on Sunday.
In Victoria, a cold front and thunderstorms followed Friday's hot, dry, windy weather. Firefighters worked to contain a bushfire in Markwood, 280km northeast of Melbourne, which affected at least three properties.
As planes are deployed to assist ground crews in NSW, the focus remains on community safety and damage containment during this dangerous start to the summer season.
