New South Wales is battling intense bushfires as a severe heatwave grips the Australian state. As of Saturday, December 6 (local time), more than a dozen homes have been damaged, and authorities have been forced to shut down both directions of the major M1 Pacific Motorway.
According to the Rural Fire Service (RFS), more than 75 bushfires are burning across the state, with at least 19 still out of control. Among the hardest-hit areas are Kuliwong and Mooney Mooney Creek (Millsons Gulley).
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the situation as an extraordinary test for firefighters and a devastating ordeal for residents who have lost their homes. He confirmed that over 9,000 hectares have already been burned. More than 1,500 firefighters and 300 firefighting vehicles have been deployed to contain the blaze.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology reported that soaring temperatures above 40°C, combined with strong winds, are fueling the rapid spread of the fires. Changing wind patterns could further complicate conditions in the coming hours.
Emergency warnings have been issued for several regions, including Bairmy, Bairmy Creek, Weedine, Yowah, and Kerrabee, due to the scale of the bushfires. Residents who are unable to evacuate have been advised to remain indoors and seek shelter in fire bunkers, as stepping outside may no longer be safe.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore added that train services through affected areas have been suspended due to the advancing fires.
Source: The Guardian.