Bushfires, illness as heatwave hits states

Southeastern Australia is in the grip of its worst fire conditions since the Black Saturday disaster killed 179 people.

Big heat.

Southeastern Australia is in the grip of the worst fire conditions since the Black Saturday disaster killed 179 people in Victoria ­almost seven years ago, with the mainland capitals facing temperatures of up to 44C.

As scores of people were hospitalised for heat-related illnesses in Victoria and South Australia, sporting events were being cancelled last night, with Melbourne facing 41C today and ­Adelaide facing 44C after unprecedented heat hit the state during the week.

Thoroughbred Racing SA yesterday called off today’s meeting at Morphettville, and racing fixtures was also cancelled in Victoria for today.

Fire chiefs warned of tinder-dry conditions, with Tasmania also facing temperatures in the mid-30s. Extended dry conditions in southern Australia have prompted warnings from fire authorities that people enact their fire plans. There have been more than 100 bush and scrub fires in Victoria. “We’ve had a baking period across Vic­toria,’’ Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said.

Ambulance Victoria state health commander Paul Holman warned people to be vigilant.

“Heat kills because we don’t ­respect it,’’ he said.

Adelaide and many regional centres have posted four consecutive days above 40C, the first time this has happened in ­December.

Such is the impact of the heat, there are likely to be a significant number of deaths. SA Health said 62 people across the state had gone to hospital as a result of heat-related illnesses in the 24 hours to 8am yesterday. Late yesterday an uncontrolled bushfire was burning in stubble near Burra, north of Adelaide.

Strong winds forecast today are worrying fire authorities. Fire bans were imposed across the Flinders, Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, Riverland and Murraylands districts yesterday, with a statewide fire ban today. There will be total fire bans in Victoria all weekend.

It comes as pressure is mounting on the states to ensure there are enforceable guidelines for people working under extreme conditions, with an apprentice in a critical condition after collapsing at a Adelaide construction site.

Travis Mellor, a 17-year-old carpentry apprentice, was working in Magill, in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. Another tradie, aged in his 20s, was also taken to hospital after he suffered heat stroke while working on the new Royal Adelaide Hospital site on Wednesday.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: FINBAR O’MALLON