Australian bushfires: NSW, Victoria emergency warnings amid mega blaze fears
Authorities have issued emergency warnings in NSW and Victoria with fears for a front half the size of the Sydney metro area.
- ‘Ash Wednesday mild compared with this’
- Baggy green mystery buyer revealed
- Kangaroo Island update
- NSW bushfires update
- Victoria bushfires update
- SA bushfires update
- WA bushfires update
Strong winds and searing heat across Australia on Friday have fanned a dosen bushfires to emergency levels across three states and created a 600,000ha mega blaze on the NSW-Victorian border. Climate protesters joined marches across capital cities while exhausted police resources struggled to divide officers between the bushfire crisis and protests. One of the world’s largest aerial fighting helicopters was deployed to Brisbane to join the bushfire fight and over 2000 ADF reservists were put on duty to assist bushfire efforts over the weekend.
Over 3000 firefighters battled escalating blazes across the country on Friday, with a late coming strong southerly merging three out-of-control fires in southern NSW, creating a mega blaze half the size of Sydney.
But the winds proved to be a mixed blessing with the NSW Rural Fire Service downgrading the Green Valley Fire just as Friday came to an end.
NSW RFS acting media manager Ben Shepherd told The Australian that easing conditions over the weekend will allow firefighters to reinforce containment lines.
“Our main challenge is getting through the strong southerly change tonight, after which we will begin to look for roads and rivers in the park to use as natural containment lines to control the fires,” he said.
A watch and act was issued for an extension of the Green Wattle Creek fire that devastated the communities of Balmoral, Bargo and Yanderra south of Sydney over Christmas with the RFS saying that strong winds could move it towards the Blue Mountain communities of Leura and Wentworth Falls.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese called on the US to reconsider travel warnings to Australia, noting lost revenue “would only add to the huge economic and catastrophic human impact of the bushfire crisis”.
Shane Warne’s baggy green cap, which he put up for auction to raise funds for the bushfire appeal on Monday, was sold for more than $1 million with the mystery buyer revealed as the Commonwealth Bank.
Mr Morrison also said any national inquiry into the bushfires needs to be wide-ranging and examine what impact climate change has had on the ongoing crisis.
In Melbourne, Whitehorse city council called off Australia Day fireworks “due to the unprecedented ongoing bushfire emergency across the country”, it has said in a statement.
In response to climate protests across the country, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews called for protesters to be mindful of the state’s police resources.
“When resources are exhausted, we’d ask that those resources are not diverted,” Mr Andrews said.
“Common sense tells you there are other times to make your point.
“I just don’t think the protest tonight was the appropriate thing to do,” he said.
The Australian Defence Force confirmed that just under 2000 reservists are on duty to provide support to firefighting teams over the weekend, providing transport and logistical support as containment lines are established and backburns are carried out.
In Western Australia the Eyre highway that spans the Nullarbor plain was reopened after 12 days of closure and in South Australia the fire situation has stabilised after out-of-control fires forced towns to evacuate over the week.
More than 2200 homes have been destroyed across the country since the start of the fire season, with almost half of that figure being comprised of homes destroyed in NSW since New Year’s Eve.
Twenty-five people have been killed since July 20, as have around 10,000 head of livestock and hundreds of millions of wild animals.
Now read how Friday unfolded, into early Saturday:
READ: Shane Warne’s baggy green buyer revealed
Joseph Lam 11.00pm: Five tonne water-carrying helicopter ‘Mad Max’ joins fire fight
A massive water-bombing helicopter capable of carrying five tonnes of water, twice that of aerial helicopters outside of the ADF, has been deployed to Australia from Indonesia.
The Mil Mi-8 MTV helicopter dubbed “Mad Max” landed in Brisbane on Friday and is expected to battle blazes further south as early as Saturday.
The Aeropower and Hevilift-owned aircraft is capable of dispersing 5000 litres of water in a matter of seconds.
“Max will be here for as long as the Australian government requires it but once it’s off task it’ll probably head back to Papua New Guinea,” Hevilift’s James Bond told 9News.
Mad Max’s deployment was approved by the National Aerial Firefighting Centre.
On Thursday Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape’s offer to send 100 Papua New Guinea Defence Force troops to assist with bushfire efforts.
PNGDF troops from an engineering battalion in Lae and field engineers from Taurama are expected to arrive as early as Monday.
🇦🇺 PM Morrison has welcomed 🇵🇬PM Marape’s generous offers of support for the bushfire response. An initial deployment of approx 100 🇵🇬 Defence Force personnel will join the 🇦🇺 Defence Force to assist with the bushfire response and recovery effort–the #PNGAusPartnership in action
— Bruce Davis (@AusHCPNG) January 9, 2020
Joseph Lam 10.00pm: Eight emergency warnings, one out-of-control grassfire
As of 10pm there were eight emergency-level fires burning across the country, three of which made up the NSW-Victorian mega blaze over 600,000ha in size.
Across Victoria there are five emergency-level fires, one with an evacuate now warning, nine fires burning at watch and act level and eight advisory warnings in place.
Vic Emergency has issued an emergency warning for an out-of-control grassfire at Beechworth-Wodonga Road in Wodonga, which is rapidly heading in an easterly direction towards Baranduda and Killara.
“The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you,” the warning reads.
Anyone in Bandiana, Baranduda, Killara, Leneva, Wodonga is urged to head indoors immediately as it is the safest option. Residents should take shelter in a room with two exits, with at least one of those exits offering visual access to monitor the fire and to escape, says Vic Emergency. Cooling systems should be turned off, pets must be brought indoors and all exterior openings must be shut.
EMERGENCY WARNING - Dunns Rd & East Ournie Ck (Snowy Valleys LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 10, 2020
Strong winds moving fire in multiple directions. Sthly change causing erratic fire behaviour. Hume Hwy closed at Snowy Mnts Hwy. Mt Adrah & Tumbaloma areas, seek shelter as fire approaches. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/H0Ovqk7aK4
Lachlan Moffet Gray 8.55pm: Blazes merge creating 600,000HA mega blaze
The NSW RFS has confirmed that three enormous fires in the Snowy Valley region have lined up, creating a mega blaze almost 600,000 hectares in size.
Earlier this evening the Green Valley fire linked up with the East Ournie fire just north of the town of Jingellic, where volunteer firefighter Samuel McPaul was killed on December 30.
The combined fire, spread by high winds, has now joined with the Dunns Road fire in an area north of Welaregang near the NSW-Victorian border, forming a fire half the size of Sydney.
NSW RFS acting media manager Ben Shepherd told The Australian that there is still a chance the mega blaze could merge with fires burning south of the border, but containment efforts would be exerted over the weekend.
“The three fires would have slowly linked up over the coming days anyway as they are burning in very remote areas of Kosciuszko National Park.
“Our main challenge is getting through the strong southerly change tonight, after which we will begin to look for roads and rivers in the park to use as natural containment lines to control the fires,” he said.
EMERGENCY WARNING Dunns Rd & East Ournie Ck (Snowy Valleys LGA) Strong S change causing fires to flare up. Fire is burning towards the areas of Ournie, Mannus and Tumbarumba, seek shelter if the fire impacts. Areas around Mt Adrah & Tumblong may experience smoke and embers. pic.twitter.com/JtpWxlqmCM
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 10, 2020
NSW RFS has issued another emergency warning for people in the area of Ournie, Mannus and Tumbarumba areas, warning residents it is too late to leave and to seek shelter as the fire approaches. Efforts will be made overnight to contain the blaze, prevent property damage and protect locals.
Other residents in the greater Snowy Valley area are being told to monitor conditions and prepare a fire safety plan.
Lachlan Moffet Gray 8.12pm: Emergency warning in NSW
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service have issued an emergency warning for residents in the area of Lankeys Creek and River Road near Jingellic and Welaregang as the fatal Green Valley Fire enlarges under strong winds.
EMERGENCY WARNING - Green Valley, Talmalmo (Greater Hume LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 10, 2020
The fire is burning east & north of Jingellic under strong winds. It is too late to leave for those in: Lankeys Ck, River Rd & between Jingellic & Welaregang. Seek shelter as the fire approaches. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/4tRjfhwxSb
The RFS is advises that it is too late to leave and people still in the area should seek shelter.
High winds are spreading the fire all directions and will continue to do so for most of the night.
The Green Valley fire has been burning for three weeks and was responsible for the death of volunteer firefighter Samuel McPaul on December 30 last year.
Earlier this evening the RFS raised fears that the Green Valley fire could join with the Dunns Road fire in a matter of hours, combining a mega blaze half the size of the Sydney metro area.
Lachlan Moffet Gray 8.00pm: Climate protests around the nation
As 10,000 or more protesters in Sydney begin to march through the CBD towards NSW parliament, thousands of others have gathered in other cities to express frustration at the federal government’s climate policy.
Martin Place: This video was taken 10 minutes ago, and there's still the same volume of people coming through. Huge turnout for Sydney's #climate change protest. #NSWFires pic.twitter.com/O8bTqBYIEp
— Stephanie Youssef (@stephameye) January 10, 2020
In Brisbane, hundreds if not thousands of people have gathered in King George’s Square and are due to start winding through the CBD.
Thousands have turned out in Brisbane this afternoon in protest of our government’s criminal negligence on climate change pic.twitter.com/pif1oDc20v
— StopAdani Gold Coast (@StopadaniGC) January 10, 2020
Canberrans have gathered in a shopping arcade near federal parliament house.
Protests in Canberra uniting people. #ScoMoResign #SackScoMo #AustraliaFires pic.twitter.com/TxHyegBeTz
— Mick O'Sullivan (@MrSully_) January 10, 2020
And in Adelaide several thousand have gathered outside South Australian Parliament, requiring police to set up temporary bollards to keep the crowds from spilling onto the road.
#ClimateEmergency Protest in Adelaide. “ #scomo has got to go†#SackScoMo pic.twitter.com/bUmZxT3lHz
— Keanu Flavell (@kflav_) January 10, 2020
The demonstrations are all affiliated with the Uni Students for Climate Justice movement and Extinction Rebellion.
“These fires, heatwaves, and droughts are not just unprecedented – they’re the direct result of decades of climate destruction at the hands of fossil fuel loving politicians,” the groups say on their Facebook pages.
“We demand the government: pay all firefighters and give the force full funding, provide genuine relief and aid for affected communities, begin the immediate rapid transition away from fossil fuels, a just transition for workers in fossil fuel industries with a jobs guarantee, justice for First Nations communities – land and water sovereignty.”
Remy Varga 7.28pm: 10 emergency warnings in Victoria
Ten emergency warnings are currently in effect in Victoria’s northeast.
A wind change is expected at 7.30pm and VicEmergency have issued emergency warnings for the following areas and towns:
Carboor East, Carboor Upper, Cheshunt, Claremont, Edi, Edi Upper, Hyem, Jarrott, King Valley, Myrrhee, Pieper, Whitfield, Whitlands, Swifts Creek, Ensay, Brookville, Omeo, Cobungra, Anglers Rest, Buldah, Cann River, Chandlers Creek, Hilo Crossing, Noorinbee, Noorinbee North, Tonghi Creek, Weeragua, Combienbar, Brookside, Buckland, Buffalo Creek, Buffalo River, Dunphys Hill, Eurobin, Freeburgh, Harrietville, Merriang, Mount Buffalo, Salt Log, Selwyn, Smoko, Wandiligong, Buckland Junction, Merriang South, Germantown, Buffalo River, Carboor, Dandongadale, Edi Upper, Merriang South, Mount Buffalo, Myrtleford, Nug Nug, Rose River, Whorouly South, Bright, Eurobin, Happy Valley, Havilah, Kancoona, Kancoona South, Ovens, Porepunkah, Rosewhite, Davenport Village, Dinner Plain, Flourbag and Hotham Heights.
6.39pm: ‘Full impact won’t be known until tomorrow’
Two new blazes are among almost a dozen fires flaring up across NSW as authorities urge vigilance and cooperation.
Nine fires across the Snowy Valley and South Coast – including the massive Green Valley and Dunns Road fires – were elevated to watch-and-act alert on Friday afternoon.
Earlier, an emergency warning was issued north of Coonabarabran in the state’s north after a fire broke out at Yearinan Station Road, Bugaldie. NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said that fire and another in a remote region of the Blue Mountains appear to have begun due to lightning strikes.
Both fires have been downgraded to watch and act.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said besides the two new fires, everything else was playing out as forecast with the hot and windy conditions on Friday. But she urged communities remain vigilant.
“In essence, we know it’s going to be a long and difficult night,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We won’t know the extent of the impact of these fires until early tomorrow morning.”
AAP
Tessa Akerman 6.23pm: Climate change protest ‘not appropriate’: Andrews
Hundreds have gathered for a climate change protest in Melbourne despite criticism from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews that it would divert police resources from bushfires and a downpour at its starting time.
Protesters protected by umbrellas gathered outside the State Library for the protest on Friday organised by the Uni Students for Climate Justice group and yelled “shame”.
The protest is calling for more action on climate change, more funds for firefighters and for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to be sacked.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Friday night called for protesters to be mindful of the state’s police resources.
“When resources are exhausted, we’d ask that those resources are not diverted,” he said.
“Common sense tells you there are other times to make your point.
“I just don’t think the protest tonight was the appropriate thing to do.”
With Joseph Lam
Remy Varga 5.20pm: Fire heads for alpine towns
A windchange means fire is now moving towards a series of small towns in Victoria’s alpine region.
An evacuation order has been issued for the localities of Dandongadale, Nug Nug, Bennies, Cheshunt South, Markous, Rose River, Top Crossing, Wabonga, Brookside, Buckland, Buffalo Creek, Dunphys Hill, Harrietville, Mount Buffalo, Salt Log, Wandiligong, Buckland Junction, Merriang South, Germantown, Buffalo River, Eurobin, Freeburgh, Merriang, Selwyn and Smoko.
Dark smoke has arrived at the town of Harrietville with the town cast in an eerie orange light.
Michelle Etheridge 4.39pm: ‘Biggest firestorm I’ve seen, and we survived’
Peter Davis has been a member of the CFS for nearly 50 years but says he has never witnessed a more intense fire than the one that razed his son’s Kangaroo Island farm.
“We were in the middle of the biggest firestorm I’ve ever seen and we survived,” the 73-year-old says.
“Even Ash Wednesday was mild compared with this.”
Mr Davis grew up on the property in Gosse in the island’s west, selling it to son Ben about 12 years ago.
On Friday, January 3, Mr Davis, Ben and his other son Brenton stayed to defend the property, enduring the fire’s ferocity for about four minutes as the front moved over the homestead.
“You see huge amounts of embers, you see things flying through the air and these twisters where flames go up like a tornado,” he says.
“It’s awesome – it’s unbelievable the power and the combustion of things and the noise is intense.
“It picked up a trampoline and threw it on the corner of the house and the car and then it picked it up again and threw it another 20m.”
Mr Davis, owner of the Island Beehive honey business, says after the fire passed through they packed up a few items and seeing the roof’s ridge cap was ablaze, knew they had to get out fast.
“We had to cut the fence to get out because every other way was blocked,” he says.
“While we were doing that, the roof fell in and the eastern part of the house that we’d had the vehicles sitting by exploded. We just drove away.”
The enormity of the experience “doesn’t hit you until afterwards”, Mr Davis says.
“Like the doc says, tears are the best lubricators for eyes so if you have shit in your eyes, you need to cry, and I’ve done a bit of that.”
Mr Davis’s daughter-in-law Sabrina says she evacuated her home about 1.30pm, bound for Kingscote with her two children and their dogs.
“My husband shoved me out the door when the fire was about 3km away,” she says.
“The front was 15m high and there was nothing that was going to stop it. They could see the wallabies dying outside the window. We lost the house, the sheds and all the stock and vehicles.”
In a twist of fate, she says her German heritage may have helped save those who stayed on the farm.
“I had bought German-standard (kitchen) windows which were double glazed and 10mm thick.”
She said there was “no question” that the family would return to farm on the property.
Remy Varga 3.55pm: US fireys make new friends
American firefighters flown in to Australia to assist with the bushfire crisis have made friends with some kangaroo joeys.
The US embassy on Friday tweeted a photo of firemen Dave Soldavini and Brian Stearns holding the joeys.
U.S. firefighters meeting some of the locals! 🦘
— US Embassy Canberra (@USAembassyinOZ) January 10, 2020
Dave Soldavini and Brian Stearns of the U.S. @forestservice made friends with these little kangaroo joeys while out in the field this week. 🇺🇸🇦🇺 #USwithAUS #AustraliaFires pic.twitter.com/RTO2dCUlUn
“Dave Soldavini and Brian Stearns of the US Forest Service made friends with these little kangaroo joeys while out in the field this week,” the tweet said.
Remy Varga 3.00pm: Fresh emergency warnings for Victoria
Two emergency warnings have been issued for out-of-control bushfires burning in Combienbar and Buchan as well as Buchan South in Victoria’s far northeast.
This brings the total of emergency orders issued in Victoria to five, with out-of-control bushfires also raging near Murrindal, W Tree, Mount Hotham and Abbeyard.
Kieran Gair 2.50pm: Kangaroo Island threat downgraded
The Country Fire Service has again downgraded the fire threat on Kangaroo Island to Advice after flames engulfed two thirds of the holiday island on Thursday night.
Fire-ravaged Kingscote received 4mm of rain this morning and Parndana – right at the epicentre of one of the blazes – received 6.88mm.
The welcome respite comes as fire crews begin the difficult task of assessing the full extent of the damage wrought by the inferno.
Acting Police Commissioner Linda Williams said the fires ripped through the island with “unprecedented ferocity” and came close to wiping the township of Parndana off the map.
Two CFS trucks were involved in burn-overs and two more personnel were injured.
CFS chief officer Mark Jones said Thursday night was an “incredibly difficult” period for all 280 firefighters on the island.
At least 170,000 hectares of scrub has been burnt, including most of the famed Flinders Chase National Park, along with dozens of homes and hundreds of other buildings.
There have also been reports of property damage at picturesque Vivonne Bay, including to SeaLink’s popular coastal lodge.
David Ross 2.40pm: Warne’s baggy green mystery buyer revealed
The mystery buyer behind Shane Warne’s baggy green has been revealed as the Commonwealth Bank, dropping just over $1 million on the hat.
The highly coveted cap which Shane Warne wore throughout his 145-match test career was nabbed by a user with the MC for $1,007,500.
CBA Chief Executive Officer, Matt Comyn — or MC — said he was “delighted that CBA has been able to secure Shane’s cherished baggy green cap”.
CBA is pledging to take the old green hat on tour to raise additional funds for bushfire recovery.
Cricket fans across the country will get a chance to see the hat before it becomes a permanent exhibit at the Bradman Museum in Bowral, NSW.
“I want to thank and commend Shane for giving up one of his most cherished possessions for such an important cause. He has demonstrated the same Aussie spirit we are seeing across the country,” Mr Comyn said.
CBA have also recently launched a major ad campaign reviving the classic cricket anthem C’mon Aussie, C’mon, to celebrate women’s cricket.
Remy Varga 2.15pm: Vic Police evacuate alpine towns
Victoria Police officers have begun evacuating people in towns in the state’s alpine region captured in the fire exclusion zone after four evacuation warnings were issued.
Partners Haydn Richards and Sarah Draffen have lived in the town of Harrietville for about 12 years and said this is their third bushfire.
Mr Richards said officers spoke to them about their evacuation plan should the out-of-control bushfires burning near Mount Hotham reach the town.
“They said: ‘What’s your trigger point to go?’ I said when I see embers and possibly, you know, a bit of action then I’m out of here,” he said.
Meanwhile, military vehicles have mobilised and are driving around the small town.
Kieran Gair 2.06pm: NSW roads, beaches closed
Beaches across the NSW south coast will be closed over the weekend amid fears coastal communities already devastated by fire could face a renewed threat when conditions worsen later today.
Surf Life Saving NSW has released a list of closures, directing beachgoers to the Beachsafe website for further information.
#BEACHCLOSURES // The following beaches will be closed this weekend due to #NSWBushfires recovery efforts;
— Surf Life Saving NSW (@slsnsw) January 10, 2020
Narooma, Dalmeny, Tuross Head, Moruya, Broulee, Malua Bay, Surf Beach, Aslings Beach.
Check the Beachsafe website for up-to-date beach closure information. pic.twitter.com/WNUB4Y41qB
Holiday-makers has also been warned to check road closures, with 33 major roads across NSW currently closed due to the risk posed by bushfires.
Parts of the Kings Highway connecting Canberra to the south coast have been closed, while the Princes Highway is shut in both directions from Narrabarba to past the Victorian border.
Kieran Gair 1.25pm: ‘Mega-blaze’ forms on NSW, Victorian border
Fire crews in NSW are facing a nightmare situation after two bushfires raging near the state’s border with Victoria merged into a half a million hectare “mega blaze.”
The East Ournie Creek and Dunns Road fire, burning west of Cooma, joined up near Bogandyera and Clarkes Hill Nature Reserves, prompting officials to upgrade the blazes from Advice to Watch and Act level.
Watch and Act - Green Valley, Talmalmo (Greater Hume LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 10, 2020
A fire is burning in the Jingellic area, to the east of Albury.
There is increased fire activity on the fireground.
If you are in the area, monitor conditions. Know what you will do if the fire threatens.#nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/9i9YwpBlUG
The bushfire is also in danger of merging with the nearby Green Valley blaze burning in the Greater Hume area, which has destroyed more than 230,000 hectares.
There are fears high temperatures and strong winds forecast for later today could drive the dangerous blazes across the border to fire-ravaged towns in Victoria.
Victorian emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp conceded yesterday that the Dunns Road fire in NSW could also join with the Corryong blaze in Victoria, as well as the Abbeyard fire and the fatal East Gippsland fire.
Fire Spread Prediction for Fri 10 Jan 2020 - Southern Coast. Severe to Extreme fire danger is forecast for parts of NSW tomorrow, including southern areas of the state. These conditions will make fire behaviour erratic and dangerous. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/mJ0VHHOB9y
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 9, 2020
1.10pm: Vic council cancels Oz Day fireworks
A local council in Melbourne’s east has called off Australia Day fireworks in response to the bushfire emergency across the nation.
The City of Whitehorse has cancelled its firework display on January 26 “due to the unprecedented ongoing bushfire emergency across the country,” it has said in a statement.
Across the state, more than 7000 people have signed an online petition for the City of Ballarat to cancel the Australia Day fireworks, preferring to give the cash to fire victims.
“We will monitor the situation closely and take advice from the CFA and other relevant authorities leading up to and on the day of January 26,” Mayor Ben Taylor said.
If the Ballarat fireworks don’t go ahead, they’ll be postponed to another time and event.
“Rather than forfeiting this monetary outlay, we will take the opportunity to transform the event into a major fundraising effort for all those bushfire victims who need it the most,” Cr Taylor added.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison told 3AW the decisions around fireworks should be made on by local governments dealing with fire authorities.
The Victoria government has plans for fireworks at Australia Day events but will consult emergency services to make sure it is “appropriate and safe”, a spokeswoman said.
Premier Daniel Andrews has previously supported the idea of using the day to raise money for the relief effort.
There are no fireworks planned for the Chinese New Year Melbourne Festival between January 24 to February 9.
But the Chinese Precinct Chamber of Commerce has reportedly called on Chinese organisations to can firecrackers for the festivities and put the money towards the bushfire appeal.
AAP
Remy Varga 1.00pm: Third evacuation order for Victoria
A third evacuation warning has been issued in Victoria as a bushfire burns out-of-control near Abbeyard in the state’s northeast.
Residents in the towns of Brookside, Buckland, Buffalo Creek, Dunphys Hill, Harrietville, Mount Buffalo, Salt Log, Wandiligong, Buckland Junction, Merriang South, Germantown, Buffalo River, Eurobin, Freeburgh, Merriang, Selwyn and Smoko are being told to evacuate now.
Rescue crews may not be able to save people who choose to stay behind, said VicEmergency.
Relied centres have been set up at the Wangarrata Performing Arts Centre, the HP Barr Reserve and the Wangaratta Saleyards as well as The Cube in Wodonga.
Military vehicles and waterbombers are mobilising from the Incident Control Centre between the towns of Bright and Myrtleford as the fire rages.
EVACUATE NOW in place for Combienbar.
— CFA Updates (@CFA_Updates) January 10, 2020
It is strongly recommended that you Evacuate Now if you are located in Combienbar.
More details at https://t.co/YP0X1l6Maq pic.twitter.com/y9tRXVDLf0
Kieran Gair 12.40pm: Abbott fights Adaminaby fires
Tony Abbott has joined firefighters in the Snowy Monaro region of NSW, helping local fire crews battle an out of control blaze.
Mr Abbott has spent much of the week building containment lines to protect the historic town of Adaminaby, north west of Cooma.
On Thursday night, he was pictured behind the bar at the Snow Goose Hotel, pulling beers for his fellow Rural Fire Service volunteers.
“A good friend of the Goose called in tonight to have a beer and chat to our patrons,” the hotel’s manager wrote on Facebook. “Tony was on the fire ground all day, here in Adaminaby.”
The pub thanked Mr Abbott and the “Northern Beaches Team” for travelling all the way from Sydney to “help defend our town.”
Mr Abbott, who volunteers with the Ingleside Rural Fire Service brigade on Sydney’s northern beaches, has been in Adaminaby since at least Monday.
The bushfire is currently at Advice level, but the RFS has warned residents to “stay up to date,” with conditions expected to deteriorate later today.
12.20pm: Evacuate now order
An Evacuate Now order has been put in place for Buffalo River, Dandonadale, Merriang South, Mount Buffalo and Nug Nug in Victoria.
Victoria Emergency warns today’s weather brings potential impacts of fire, ember attacks and smoke to the area.
EVACUATE NOW if you are located in Buffalo River, Dandongadale, Merriang South, Mount Buffalo and Nug Nug.
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) January 10, 2020
Today's weather outlook brings potential impacts of fire, ember attacks & smoke to the evacuation area.
For more details visit https://t.co/pbFmxbCxi8#vicfires pic.twitter.com/BjQ4ImzWSz
Kieran Gair 12.15pm: Defence ready to move
Defence personnel are ready to move to potential bushfire grounds as extreme conditions grip Victoria, NSW and the ACT.
Scott Morrison said today he has instructed the Chief of Defence to have crews ready to move if bushfires do flare up.
“They will move and ensure they can provide support as swiftly as they can, but again, working in concert with local state and territory authorities,” Mr Morrison told reporters.
The PM also said any national inquiry into the bushfires needs to be wide-ranging and examine what impact climate change has had on the ongoing crisis.
The prime minister is weighing up calling a royal commission into the disaster, which would also look at hazard reduction burns and national co-ordination.
“I think Australians, because of the scale of this particular disaster, will be looking for something more holistic,” he told 2GB radio.
Mr Morrison said Australia was already “meeting and carrying” its burden on climate change, arguing the focus instead should be on preparing for dangerous fire conditions forecast for NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
“That’s not the focus right now – today there are severe and extreme fire forecasts in Victoria and NSW – but down the track, that’s what the premiers and I am sure to discuss.”
Earlier, Mr Morrison said the Australian Defence Force was prepared to act swiftly and “immediately” to assist state authorities if fire conditions escalate later today.
“I’ve given them very clear instructions to move and support immediately in the event they are needed,” he said.
The federal government has committed at least $2 billion towards the recovery effort and the latest element of its response package included immediate cash payments of $1 million for dozens of councils hardest hit by the fires.
Kieran Gair 12.00pm: Eyre Highway reopens
The Eyre Highway, the only sealed road linking South Australia and Western Australia, has reopened after it was closed for nearly two weeks due to bushfires.
Hundreds of travellers were left stranded when the 1660-kilometre highway was shut because of a large fire burning near Norseman.
Frustrated and tired travellers were trapped on either side of the Nullarbor Plain and had been forced to sleep in their cars or camp on the side of the road while the highway was closed to all traffic.
On Friday, the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services thanked motorists for their “patience” and apologised for the “significant disruption.”
“We’re excited to tell you that the Eyre Highway and Coolgardie-Esperance Highway are now open,” the DFES said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, 180 firefighters are battling a blaze burning south of Perth that is threatening to break containment lines.
A Watch and Act alert has been issued for the Baldivis fire near Kwinana Freeway, about 40km south of the Perth CBD.
Kieran Gair 11am: NSW toll
Almost 2000 homes have been destroyed across NSW since the beginning of the state’s unprecedented bushfire season in October. The RFS has also revealed that more than half of the homes lost were destroyed in the first 10 days of the year.
In an impact assessment update posted to Twitter on Friday, the RFS said that, of the 1995 homes lost to fires across the state, 1079 had been destroyed since January 1. The RFS also warned that the number of homes lost was “likely to increase” amid predictions the state’s marathon bushfire crisis would escalate again at the weekend. Twenty people have been killed, including three firefighters, as well as 6200 livestock and at least 500000 wild animals.
Fire crews and communities have managed to save more than 12400 homes and nearly 2000 facilities, including schools, nursing homes and scores of small businesses.
Building Impact Assessment teams continue working through fire affected areas, to assess property damage. So far 1,995 homes destroyed, over 23,000 buildings saved. 1,079 homes lost since 1 Jan. This figure is likely to increase. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/ywovziMy0l
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 9, 2020
10.20am: Sold — Warne's baggy green
Shane Warne’s baggy green cap has been sold for more than $1 million, with all funds going to the bushfire appeal. Warne put his baggy green up for auction on Monday and on Friday morning it was sold to a person in Sydney for $1,007,500. A bidding war erupted on Thursday night and continued up until 9:58am, two minutes before the scheduled close of the auction. The late bid mean the auction window remained open until 10:08am but there were no further bids. The result smashed the price earned for the cap of Sir Donald Bradman, which went for $425,000 in 2003.
Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/vyVcA7NfGs
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 9, 2020
Kieran Gair 9.45am: Kangaroo Island latest
Two emergency warnings have been downgraded for fires burning on Kangaroo Island in South Australia as conditions begin to ease.
Emergency warnings for Parndana and Vivonne Bay, covering central and southern Kangaroo Island and the north east including Kingscote, have been downgraded to a Watch and Act level.
The Country Fire Service said some properties have been impacted near Vivonne Bay, but the full extent of the damage won’t be known until the area can be assessed.
Desperately needed rain has begun to fall on the island, and temperatures have dropped to about 15 degrees.
A Total Fire Ban has been issued for the island.
Angelica Snowden 9am: ‘We want people out of red zones’
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has warned of extreme fire danger in the state’s southeast, with temperatures set to reach 40C and wind gusts of up to 90km/h in the afternoon.
Mr Fitzsimmons said while there were no current evacuation warnings, “red zones” in which fire could threaten communities, including those near Adaminaby, Bega and Jindabyne, had been identified.
“In those zones, the red zones, we want people out (and) into safer places,” Mr Fitzsimmons said today.
“We’ll see hot temperatures, high 30s and low 40s, across parts of NSW. (But) it’s the hot, dry winds that will prove once again to be the real challenge.”
A southwesterly wind change is expected to impact inland fires on Friday afternoon with a gusty southerly change forecast to impact coastal towns from the evening.
“Hot dry winds will be the challenge, with a gusty change at 4pm,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.
More than 130 bushfires are burning around NSW, with about 50 uncontained. Potential fire spread maps issued for Friday show that major towns including Eden, Batemans Bay and Nowra could come under fresh threat, as well as Tumbarumba, Batlow and areas east of Albury.
Mr Fitzsimmons said he was confident that there would be no repeat of the food, fuel and water shortages that became an issue in the south coast as tourists and residents tried to flee the area in the New Year period.
“We are mindful of fuel and have a back-up to ensure power can get back to targeted areas if it goes out,” he said.
The commissioner said 2600 fire fighters were committed to bushfires today, with another 1000 on standby.
The Australian Defence force will be deployed to assist with logistics, heavy machinery and medical support if needed.
8.30am: Counting cost of bushfires in NSW
A total of 1870 NSW homes have been destroyed since the start of the fire season, with more than 750 damaged, authorities have confirmed.
And in 2020 alone, more than 950 have been confirmed destroyed.
Almost 200 facilities and 3774 outbuildings have also been razed. Since July, 20 people have died in the NSW bushfires, including three firefighters, as well as 6200 livestock and millions of wild animals.
“For some communities, they have never had this many people dislocated or really anxious about their homes or anxious about not being able to go to their homes yet,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this morning.
“Although some of the fires swept through days ago, it’s still unsafe for people to go back to where they live, and we are really grateful for people’s patience.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the navy ship HMAS Adelaide remained on stand-by off the Eden coast and was assisting with resupplying.
AAP
8am: Crews in fear of ‘erratic’ conditions
Authorities have warned hot, dry and windy conditions could cause “erratic” bushfire behaviour with total fire bans in place for much of NSW. The Rural Fire Service has placed total fire bans on 10 regions across the state today ahead of forecast hot and windy weather.
An extreme fire warning is in place for the southern slopes while severe fire warnings have been issued for the Monaro alpine region, ACT, southern ranges and eastern Riverina.
A south-westerly wind change is expected to impact inland fires this afternoon with a gusty southerly change forecast to impact coastal towns from the evening.
Total fire bans in place for 10 areas due to Very High, Severe and Extreme fire dangers. Hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast for NSW today. A number of large fires continue to burn across the State, particularly in the south. Know what you will do if fire threatens #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/BicpjidYMb
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 9, 2020
“These conditions will make fire behaviour erratic and dangerous,” the RFS said. Temperatures are forecast to reach 46C in central NSW, 43C at Tumut in the Riverina, 42C at Penrith in western Sydney and 36C at Nowra on the South Coast. Total fire bans in place in north western NSW, greater Sydney, central ranges, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, southern ranges, far south coast, Monaro alpine, southern slopes, eastern Riverina and northern Riverina.
NSW fire crews took advantage of cooler conditions this week by backburning and strengthening containment lines before the forecast heat.
Fire Spread Prediction for Fri 10 Jan 2020 - Southern Coast. Severe to Extreme fire danger is forecast for parts of NSW tomorrow, including southern areas of the state. These conditions will make fire behaviour erratic and dangerous. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/mJ0VHHOB9y
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 9, 2020
Favourable conditions this week have helped energy crews restore power to most South Coast and Southern Highlands communities where bushfires caused widespread damage over the weekend.
Authorities, meanwhile, have confirmed that 1870 NSW homes have been destroyed since the start of the fire season, with more than 750 damaged. More than 950 have been confirmed destroyed in 2020 alone.
Almost 200 facilities and 3774 outbuildings have also been razed. Since July, 20 people have died in the NSW bushfires, as well as 6200 livestock and millions of wild animals.
More than 130 fires were burning across the state early this morning — with nearly half uncontained.
At 12:30am, 132 fires are burning in NSW, with 55 still not contained. All fires are at Advice. Challenging conditions for firefighters today with widespread Severe and Extreme fire dangers for parts of NSW. Total Fire Bans are in place for a number of areas. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/7xv6UIrsit
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 9, 2020
AAP
7.45am: ‘Evacuate now’ alerts in Victoria
Emergency services are bracing for a challenging day in Victoria, with temperatures reaching the 40s in the state’s fire-ravaged east and northeast.
This heat will be followed by a cool change bringing winds with peak gusts of up to 90km/h and possible dry lightning.
A total fire ban has been declared for Friday in the Mallee, Northern Country, North Central, North East, East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland. Friday’s fire risk comes after Victoria’s state of disaster was on Thursday extended into the weekend. Also on Thursday, two emergency warnings were made for eastern areas of the state.
Two “evacuate now” alerts were also issued for a northeastern Victoria area west of Mt Buffalo that included Bennies and Cheshunt South.
EVACUATE NOW - In anticipation of fire activity on Friday, we are recommending residents evacuate from Buffalo River Valley to Back Creek https://t.co/v1mk141yJk pic.twitter.com/84iqbFTYvq
— CFA Updates (@CFA_Updates) January 9, 2020
Ahead of a potential spike on Friday, emergency services and Premier Daniel Andrews pleaded with Victorians to leave fire-danger areas when alerts were issued.
“If it is safe to get out, then you must get out. That is the only way to guarantee your safety,” Mr Andrews said yesterday.
“I know that’s a very binary message. It’s blunt. It’s not meant to impress anyone. It’s meant to be the cold facts.” About 67,000 people left East Gippsland last week as the fire disaster unfolded there.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp backed up Mr Andrews message to leave fire-danger areas.
“If you are waiting to see the smoke, see the flames, I’d suggest you have left it to late,” he said.
Twenty-three fires were burning across the state on Thursday night and more than 1.2 million hectares have been burnt since November 21.
We’re expecting a significant increase in fire activity tomorrow. The Premier has extended the State of Disaster for another 48 hours. If you are in fire affected parts of North East Victoria or East Gippsland, you need to leave these areas while you still can. Take care pic.twitter.com/7ZCgPFcKQU
— Andrew Crisp APM (@CommissionerEMV) January 9, 2020
AAP
7.30am: Praying for rain on Kangaroo Island
Authorities hope rain forecast to fall over Kangaroo Island will stall bushfires that have been threatening towns in a major escalation of the island’s fire emergency.
Two emergency warnings remained in place early on Friday, one for the area around the south coast town of Vivonne Bay and one for the central districts around Parndana.
Reminder : FIRE BAN & FIRE DANGER RATING ADVICE FOR 10 January 2020 SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has declared a Total Fire Ban for Kangaroo Island tomorrow. Refer https://t.co/XS5M6N4plr pic.twitter.com/wm99vRTHTp
— Country Fire Service (@CFSAlerts) January 9, 2020
A “watch and act” alert was also in place for a large area to the east of the major fire front, extending to the outskirts of the island’s largest town of Kingscote and to American River on the east coast.
But rain due early on Friday will hopefully bring some respite, while cooler and more humid conditions behind a milder change are expected to help Country Fire Service crews strengthen containment lines.
The CFS is confident Kingscote will remain a safer place but chief officer Mark Jones has warned against complacency.
“The condition of the fires is such that it’s unlikely that they will be extinguished by the rain, and they will continue to burn,” Mr Jones said. The fire has already destroyed 160,000 hectares across Kangaroo Island, including most of the famed Flinders Chase National Park.
It has claimed two lives, with outback pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old son Clayton killed as they returned to their home.
The blaze first broke out on December 20 from a lightning strike but escalated rapidly last Friday before jumping containment lines again on Thursday.
AAP
7.15am: Blaze continues to burn south of Perth
An emergency warning remains in place for a bushfire threatening lives and homes across a string of suburbs in Perth’s south.
About 180 firefighters are battling the blaze, which was reported at midday on Thursday near Baldivis, about 40km south of Perth.
It has since burnt through more than 300 hectares amid strong winds. The emergency warning applies across an area spanning 20km north to Casuarina. An evacuation centre has opened at Mike Barnett Sports Complex in Rockingham. The Red Cross says people affected should register now to let family and friends know they are okay.
AAP
Federal jitters as voters tear a brick out of Labor’s ‘red wall’
Labor MPs are warning Anthony Albanese that Victoria’s Jacinta Allan isn’t the only one who should be listening to ‘abandoned’ heartland voters.
Rudd dismisses ‘lies’ over USAID funding for think tank
Australian ambassador to the US, former prime minister Kevin Rudd, has categorically dismissed any claim that he or a think tank he formerly led had received funding from the US foreign aid agency.