NSW bushfires: Over 20k firefighters battle fires on frontline

The number of firefighters on the frontline could hit 20,000 in NSW on Tuesday if conditions hit as predicted. Resources from Victoria rolled in and the Australian Army is ready to assist with catastrophic fire conditions in Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

The number of firefighters on the frontline could hit 20,000 in NSW today, depending on how the conditions play out.

There were about 1000 firefighters spread out across the state yesterday but their ranks are expected to increase as they deal with catastrophic fire conditions in Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

The Victorian Country Fire Service arrives at Singleton Military Area as a part of a Defence Assistance.

MORE NSW BUSHFIRE NEWS

How Aussies can help as bushfires rage on

Climate change link to fires disgusts me, says Deputy PM

Brave acts of our firefighting heroes

Total body count for fauna ‘incalculable’

But despite the extra crews being deployed Rural Fire Service spokesman Ben Shepherd said crews would still not be able to reach every home.

“The main thing that we need to stress is that you’re more than likely not going to get a fire truck tomorrow … more than likely not going to get a water bomber tomorrow,” Mr Shepherd said.

“Because these fires once they start, actually fighting the fire can be potentially dangerous for crews, they will try where possible but quite often they’ll be moving into an area and just saying ‘hey you need to move out of this area’.”

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority sent 311 personnel to NSW yesterday.

They will be positioned in the Greater Hunter Region and across Goulburn in preparation for today’s fires.

The Australian Army was yesterday also offering assistance for the fires.

Originally published as NSW bushfires: Over 20k firefighters battle fires on frontline