NewsBite

Live

Bushfires: Fire, extreme heat bring power cuts to SA and catastrophic forecast for NSW

There are homes lost, firefighters injured and power cuts in SA, Melbourne’s outskirts are alight, and in NSW, a ‘catastrophic’ warning of worse fires to come.

Max Maddison, Olivia Caisley and Emily Ritchie
36 min read
5:16PMDecember 20, 2019.
Updated 11:31PMDecember 20, 2019
Print
NSW bushfires: Firefighters killed in tragic crash

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the bushfires after a catastrophic day which saw two firefighters killed and two others in a coma in separate incidents.

Power has been cut in several towns in South Australia and homes are believed lost as fire crews struggle to contain dangerous infernos burning on Adelaide’s fringes.

In NSW, as a community reels from the two deaths, there’s a grim RFS forecast ahead of Saturday’s catastrophic conditions: they can’t guarantee they’ll get there in time.

Scott Morrison has cut short his holiday and issued an apology to firefighters families, saying he “deeply regrets” any offence caused by taking leave. The two young firefighters killed overnight have been named.

11:30pm: Car crash death in SA fire

One person is dead and another unaccounted for as up to 187 blazes burn across South Australia amid catastrophic weather conditions.

Premier Steven Marshall has confirmed that one person has been killed in a crash in Lameroo in the Murraylands, where an emergency bushfire is burning.

The exact circumstances of the crash are not yet known.

AAP 10.20pm: Highways to close, holidays on hold

Travellers have been told to delay their Christmas getaway and avoid isolated bush areas as NSW prepares for more “catastrophic” fire danger with authorities saying it’ll be a miracle if more homes aren’t lost this weekend. Temperatures are set to soar into the mid-40s and there will be strong winds with the conditions likely to close main highways.

The Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven and southern ranges regions face catastrophic danger on Saturday while the Greater Hunter and central ranges will experience extreme fire danger.

Rural Fire Service deputy commissioner Rob Rogers says homeowners shouldn’t expect a fire truck, a plane or a warning to save them “because things move really quickly”.

“Do not put yourself in harm’s way tomorrow,” he said on Friday afternoon. “Do not put yourself near an isolated bush area. If your home is directly on the bush and it’s not got a huge break you should think about relocating.” Authorities are asking people to avoid holiday travel on Saturday because they don’t want motorists stranded on major highways when fire fronts hit. Mr Rogers says it’s inevitable that part of the Princes Highway on the South Coast will be closed near Ulladulla.

“We’ve got problems there with fires to the west that are going to run to the east - we know they’re going to impact on the Princes Highway,” he said. There are also concerns the Green Wattle Creek fire southwest of Sydney could cross the Hume Highway with Mr Rogers saying there’s a “fair chance” it will be closed.

“We will be doing our best to stop it getting across the Hume Highway because if it gets across ... that opens up a whole new front for us.” The deputy commissioner said any decision to close major roads would not be taken lightly and the RFS would liaise with NSW Police.

Back burning in the Blue Mountains had been due to close part of the Great Western Highway on Friday evening but a change in forecast winds saw the operation called off.

NSW Police deputy commissioner Gary Worboys says motorists may be asked to turn around if they try to enter dangerous areas.

“People should consider staying at home tomorrow and make their travel arrangements for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday,” he said.

“They still have time in terms of Christmas Day. Tomorrow will be a difficult day.” Residents should instead go to the beach, a shopping centre or somewhere else safe.

Almost 800 homes have been lost in NSW so far this bushfire season and that number is almost certain to rise on Saturday.

“It’s a fairly sure thing we will lose homes somewhere tomorrow,” Mr Rogers said “It would be a miracle if we didn’t.” A week-long state of emergency has been declared and a statewide total fire ban remains in place.

Kieran Gair 8.30pm: Navy joins fire efforts

Wilbeforce Rural Fire Brigade said they had an “unusual drop-in” while they were preparing to fight an out-of-control blaze at Bilpin, west of Sydney.

An Australian Navy MRH-90 Taipan crew landed “to say hello” after patrolling the area on Thursday, in case residents needed to be rescued from burning homes.

Two heavily armed navy personnel dressed in full military garb were all smiles when they stopped to pose for a picture with four RFS volunteers.

The Wilberforce Rural Fire Brigade with the Australian Navy MRH-90 Taipan crew, north of Bilpin.
The Wilberforce Rural Fire Brigade with the Australian Navy MRH-90 Taipan crew, north of Bilpin.

7.30pm: Suburban homes lost in Melbourne blaze

At least two homes have been destroyed and six people have been taken to hospital following a fire in suburban Melbourne.

The blaze began after a gas cylinder exploded at a home on Webb Street, Seaford about 3:30pm on Friday and spread to other houses and an old factory nearby. At least two homes were destroyed and three damaged, while helicopter footage showed multiple cars burnt out.

Six people were taken to Frankston Hospital, five of whom were suffering from smoke inhalation.

The other person suffered burns, an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman confirmed. They are all in a stable condition.

The blaze has now been downgraded from a watch-and-act to an advice message. “There is currently no threat to communities, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions,” the warning reads.

About 20 fire crews remain on the scene.

Victoria has sweltered through its hottest December day on record, with two towns falling just short of 48C.

Horsham, in the state’s west, and Hopetoun, in the northwest, recorded 47.9C on Friday afternoon, exceeding the previous December record of 46.6C at Robinvale on New Year’s Eve 1976.

Cape Otway, on the Great Ocean Road, also recorded its hottest day of 43.4C, smashing a record set more than 150 years ago.

A suburban property destroyed by fire at Barry St, Seaford. Picture: Mark Stewart
A suburban property destroyed by fire at Barry St, Seaford. Picture: Mark Stewart

Melbourne’s temperature fell short of the forecast 44C, reaching a maximum of 43.4C, the capital’s hottest day since 1876.

“I know we talk a lot about records but it just helps us put in context the extent and unseasonality of the heat. It’s just not something we’d normally see in December,” the Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Adam Morgan said. He said the hottest part of summer is usually in January.

There will be no reprieve from the heat until a cool change at about midnight.

“The cool change is still on track and is still later than anyone would want,” bureau senior meteorologist Keris Arndt said.

“We will slowly cool down with the sun going down but we won’t have any cool air until about midnight.” Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton warned it could make for an uncomfortable night.

“Lying in bed, people’s core body temperature can still increase if the temperatures inside their home are significant,” he told reporters. “Bear in mind people may have a kind of hangover tomorrow with headache and fatigue or even heat cramps or exhausting, racing heart, sweating.”

AAP

Christine Kellett 7pm: Donations for firefighters’ shattered families

Flooded with offers for help for the families of two NSW volunteer firefighters killed in the Wattle Creek fire on Thursday, the NSW RFS has set up a fundraising page to collect online donations.

Geoffrey Keaton, 32, and Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, died when their fire truck rolled as they fought the blaze near Buxton, in Sydney’s south west.

The pair, both members of the Horsely Park volunteer brigade, leave behind wives and very young children.

“The NSW RFS has created a dedicated bank account to collect donations. All funds received will be equally distributed between Geoffrey and Andrew’s spouses, and tax receipts will be issued to donors,” the RFS says on the fundraising page, where people can make a donation.

6.30pm: Heat hospitalises hundreds in South Australia

A cool change has snapped South Australia’s four-day heatwave but not before the string of 40C plus days resulted in hundreds of ambulance call-outs. The Ambulance Service said it has responded to 489 heat-related incidents by Friday afternoon with 315 resulting in people being taken to hospital. However, health authorities said there were yet to see any reports of heat- related deaths.

After a top temperature of 45.3C on Thursday, Adelaide’s maximum on Friday surged to 43.9C as the change began to move through, leaving it short of the 46C forecast.

The city is expected to have a much milder top of 25C on Saturday. A number of regional centres had their hottest December days on record on Friday including Woomera with 48.1C, Coober Pedy 48.2C, Mount Gambier 45.9 and Keith with 49.2C.

Meanwhile, South Australian Senator Penny Wong has expressed her condolences over the death of a person in her home state’s unfolding bushfire emergency.

AAP

Rachel Baxendale 5.50pm: Warning issued for Victoria’s Mount Mercer fire

An emergency warning has been issued for a second fire in Victoria, at Mount Mercer, between Geelong and Ballarat.

People in Bamganie, Lethbridge, Meredith, Shelford and Teesdale have been told it is too late to leave.

A Watch and Act has been issued for communities further north and east, including Rokewood.

The grassfire at Mount Mercer is out of control and travelling from Grahams Road in a south-easterly direction towards Shelford and Teesdale.

The warning issued at 5:19pm on Friday said firefighters had been unable to stop the fire and it had crossed Gundies Road and was moving towards Shelford and Teesdale.

Adeshola Ore 5.45pm: Bargo residents prepare to leave

Residents in Bargo, NSW are packed and ready to evacuate if needed, as they prepare for another day of dangerous conditions.

Jessica Brown, 29, who recently moved to the town, said rapidly changing fire conditions were scary to witness.

“This is my first bushfire. I am a coast girl. It’s a bit of a shock to the system. You do not expect this and it is scary and so dynamic and fast,” she said.

Ms Brown and her partner evacuated yesterday, but have since returned to their home. She said the community mood was “good and up-beat”, but residents were alert to fire warnings.

She and her partner, who are expecting a child, are also taking precautions to protect their pets, moving their horse further afield and their cats to stay with her parents on the coast.

Max Maddison 5.10pm: Firefighters injured in SA blaze

CFS Chief Officer Mark Jones has confirmed that four firefighters were injured fighting the “dynamic and unpredictable” Cudlee Creek bushfire in South Australia.

The firefighters suffered burns and smoke inhalation fighting the blaze, while another three police officers had been affected by the smoke.

The CFS are attempting to confirm whether this figure could be higher, with reports that potentially 10 firefighters could be injured.

South Australia is bracing itself for a potentially catastrophic day tomorrow with a severe thunderstorm warning issued and a wind change expected to sweep through the state in the next few hours.

Rachel Baxendale 5pm: Emergency warning near Ballarat

An emergency warning has been issued for a grass fire northwest of Ballarat, at Lexton-Ararat Rd near the small town of Amphitheatre.

Residents of Chute, Glenbrae, Lexton, Mount Lonarch, Amphitheatre, Burnbank, Langi kal Kal, Raglan, Waterloo and Waubra have been told it is too late to leave.

A warning issued at 4:51pm said the grassfire was travelling in a south easterly direction towards Ben Major Forest.

“This fire could impact the Beaufort-Lexton Road, the Lexton township and Rainbow Music Festival site,” the warning said.

Rachel Baxendale 4.55pm: Fires on Melbourne’s outskirts

Watch and Act warnings have been issued for two fires in Melbourne’s southeast, at Seaford and Frankston.

Emergency Victoria said a bushfire had started as a result of a house fire in Webb St, Seaford, and spread to adjacent grasslands and vacant industrial buildings.

The fire is travelling from Dandenong-Frankston Road in a south-westerly direction towards Frankston North at 4:30pm on Friday, with spot fires and embers starting fires up to 1km ahead of the main fire at Webb Street.

People in Frankston North, Seaford, Seaford South, Karingal and Carrum Downs have been told that leaving now is their safest option.

A second Watch and Act has been issued for the suburbs of Frankston and Karingal for a separate fire nearby at Willow Rd, Frankston.

The fire is burning on the Bunarong Track.

While firefighters had been able to slow the spread of the fire at 4:30pm, residents were warned that the situation could change at any time.

Max Maddison 4.50pm: Fatality in SA

A person has been killed in a car crash near Lameroo where firefighters are battling a major bushfire. South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said he had been advised of a fatality in the Cudlee Creek area after a road accident, but was unsure whether the circumstances of the vehicle collision was a result of the fire and is being investigated.

Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall, said there is ongoing concern about a person missing in the Cudlee Creek area.

David Ross 4.40pm: Grampians fire warning

The CFA is issuing a watch and act warning for a fire very near the Grampians National Park in Victoria, 280km west of Melbourne.

36 personnel and 10 tankers are fighting the Dunkeld fire, which is heading southerly towards the Glenelg Highway.

Residents of Dunkeld, Karabeal, Moutajup are advised to leave.

In 2014 52,000 hectares of the Grampians National Park and nearby farmland were burned after lightning sparked fires.

Max Maddison 4.25pm: SA fire upgraded to emergency

In South Australia, the CFS have issued an emergency warning for the fire burning at Parilla near Lameroo in the Murraylands.

The CFS urged people to leave immediately as soon conditions will make it too dangerous to drive.

Situated 200km east of Adelaide, the fire is one of four major bushfires burning across SA – at Angle Vale, Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula and in Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills. Three CFS firefighters have already been injured attempting to ensure that the blaze in the Adelaide Hills didn’t claim more homes.

Perry Williams 4.10pm: Probe into SA power prices surge

The Australian Energy Regulator has launched an investigation after South Australia’s wholesale spot electricity price hit the market price cap of $14700 per megawatt hour twice on Thursday night amid a severe heatwave.

Spot prices traded at the market limit at 7pm and 7.30pm, triggering a probe from the market watchdog in line with its policy of investigating events that result in prices topping $5000/MWh.

South Australia’s average wholesale electricity price was $50.86/MWh in November.

Temperatures in Adelaide hovered near 40 degrees on Thursday evening and were still above 32 degrees and climbing just after midnight Friday morning.

Power demand in South Australia on Thursday peaked at 3120MW just 282MW shy of the all-time record set in January 2011 and the highest seen in almost five years, market analyst GlobalRoam said.

Spot prices in South Australia and Victoria were trading at $320/MWh at 4pm Friday afternoon.

Max Maddison 4.05pm: Reconsider need to travel

The Great Western Highway, Bells Line of Road is already closed as the RFS deputy commissioner Rob Rogers asked people to reconsider the need to travel, with the Princes Highway set to close tomorrow.

Firefighters are attempting to stop the Green Wattle fire in the Balmoral and Bargo area, from crossing the Hume Highway in order to prevent a new fire front from opening.

While around Sussex Inlet near Ulladulla, fires running from west to east will impact on the Princes Highway. The fires are currently three or four kilometres off the highway.

Deputy Commissioner Rogers said police were deciding the best places to close the road,

“We are discussing that with police, working out at times or what time that road will be closed. There is an inevitability that will be closed tomorrow.”

Authorities are asking people to avoid holiday travel on Saturday because they don’t want motorists stranded on major highways when firefronts hit. NSW Police deputy commissioner Gary Worboys says motorists may be asked to turn around if they try to enter dangerous areas.

His advice for people living in bushfire-prone areas is simple: don’t be there. Residents should instead go to the beach, a shopping centre or somewhere else safe.

Max Maddison 3.50pm: ‘Conditions ‘will worsen’

With westerly winds and gusts up to 75km/h, the RFS have issued a catastrophic fire danger rating for several parts of New South Wales for Saturday, with major problems expected in Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven [and the] Southern Ranges.

Deputy Commissioner said the Gospers Mountain fire in the Hawkesbury area and the Green Wattle fire were causing “multiple problems”.

“Tomorrow we know that [the Gospers mountain] fire will move towards the Kurrajong Heights area. Not only that, it has crossed over the gross river and is working its way slowly up towards the mountains.”

Backburning is being tactically used in preparation of tomorrow to protect communities around Blackheath.

Max Maddison 3.42pm: ‘Don’t expect a fire truck’

RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers has warned residents that the fires could potentially move so quickly that they can’t guarantee resident’s will receive a warning or help tomorrow.

“Don’t expect a fire truck, don’t expect a plane, don’t wait for a warning. We will get warnings out whenever we can, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to get warnings out to everybody, because things move really quickly”, Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

“We cannot guarantee to get firetrucks to you. We have so much in the landscape we will do our best but we cannot guarantee that.”

He said he was “fairly sure” more homes will be lost.

“It’s a fairly sure thing we will lose homes somewhere tomorrow,” Mr Rogers said “It would be a miracle if we didn’t.”

“Catastrophic” fire conditions are expected at three sites across NSW tomorrow: Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven and the Southern Ranges.

Imogen Reid 3.42pm: Fire unions fury

NSW Secretary of Fire Brigade Employees’ Union, Leighton Drury, has called on the members of the NSW Government to “start doing your job” as regional firefighters face worsening conditions.

“I’m calling for the Treasurer, the Premier and the Emergency Services Minister to get in a room with firefighters of New South Wales,” Mr Drury said.

“We know we’re 400 firefighters short across the state, 300 across regional New South Wales. “That’s just the current number, not to deal with the crisis we’re dealing with now. Give us our budget back. Firefighters put out fires. You guys put out budgets. Start doing your job.”

Mr Drury said budget cuts are to blame for the minimum amount of firefighters per truck dropping from four to two.

“It’s an absolute disgrace from this government that keeps cutting into our budget and forcing fire rescue to make dangerous decisions like this – and its communities of NSW that feel these effects,” he said.

“We’ve been telling the NSW government for eight years since they have been cutting our budget that is going to be a problem in the future and here we are.”

Adeshola Ore 3.40pm: Full house, and full hearts at Picton

An evacuation centre at a bowling club in Picton has been inundated with community donations, as residents from surrounding areas seek shelter.

Christine, Lang the centre’s Operations Manager said there are currently thirty people at the centre, but she expects a ‘full house’ tonight of up to 200 people.

The residents are being offered support by the SES and other local community services.

Lang said they have received so many donations, they have asked people to stop sending gifts.

“The community is fabulous, everyone wants to help. It’s just amazing seeing ordinary people stepping up.”

Max Maddison 3.35pm: Gosper’s Mountain flares back to emergency

The RFS have upgraded the fire warning in Gospers Mountain around Lithgow and Hawkesbury to emergency levels. Fire activity is out of control and increasing in the area.

The fire, which is more than 449,000 hectares in size, is burning south of the Grose River towards the Blue Mountains. With conditions set to worsen again on Saturday, firefighters are urging residents to stay alert and monitor the conditions.

3.10pm: Fears properties lost in SA

Some properties are thought lost or damaged and others remain under threat from two serious bushfires burning near Adelaide, AAP reports.

The Country Fire Service says 28 fires have been sparked across the state amid catastrophic fire conditions on Friday.

Two have sparked emergency warnings, in the Adelaide Hills and at Angle Vale, in the northern suburbs, and CFS chief Mark Jones said they were unlikely to be contained soon.

Mr Jones said the terrain and the prevailing conditions in the Adelaide Hills are proving particularly challenging for fire crews.

“Access is difficult and dangerous for firefighters, the lack of visibility also makes it very difficult for crews,” he said.

Spot fires ahead of the main front were thought to have damaged some properties around the town of Lobethal with the blaze now burning towards Woodside. Properties were also thought to have been damaged or lost in the Angle Vale blaze, but it’s too early to confirm details.

3.10pm: Bushfire warning: East Victoria

Residents in Victoria’s East Gippsland region have been urged to leave their homes immediately as a bushfire rages out of control.

A “watch and act” warning was issued on Friday for residents of Brookville, about 390 kilometres northeast of Melbourne.

“Don’t wait, leaving now is the safest option – conditions may change and get worse very quickly,” the warning reads.

3pm: ‘Catastrophic’ forecast

The NSW Rural Fire Service has forecast catastrophic fire danger for parts of the state — including Greater Sydney — as another “dangerously hot” day looms on Saturday.

The Bureau of Meteorology on Friday warned that temperatures could rise into the mid-40s in western Sydney on Saturday, with strong winds and intensely dry conditions creating additional danger.

The RFS on Friday confirmed that Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven and the Southern Ranges would on Saturday endure catastrophic fire risks. Greater Hunter and the Central Ranges would experience extreme fire risk. A week-long state of emergency has been declared in NSW granting special powers to RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and a statewide total fire ban remains in place.

The NSW RFS officially says 20 homes may have been lost but RFS deputy commissioner Rob Rogers on Friday acknowledged there are reports 40 buildings were destroyed.

Max Maddison 2.35pm: Fight, recharge, recuperate

Firefighters are taking advantage of the cooler conditions to recharge and recuperate before conditions worsen again tomorrow.

RFS District Services Officer Cathie Moore said firefighters were using the opportunity to get on top of blazes burning across the state.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 2.20pm: Forster fire out of control

NSW RFS have released a watch and act over a new fire at The Lakes Way in Forster.

The fire is deemed “out of control” and residents are being advised to monitor conditions.

A NSW RFS spokesman has stated that attempts are being made to contain the fire which is currently on the Western side of The Lakes Way and three kilometres North of the town of Tiona.

The fire is moving in a North-Westerly direction towards Green Point.

The Lakes Way road will remain open to traffic.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 2.15pm: Blue Mountains backburns

NSW RFS has confirmed that backburning has commenced in the Blue Mountains between the North side of Hat Hill Road and the Darling Causeway near Blackheath.

The backburning is occurring in areas with fire breaks and is designed to prevent the fire currently burning in the Grose Valley from moving further South towards the Blue Mountains townships of Blackheath, Mt Victoria, Katoomba and Leura.

RFS has not ordered residents to evacuate but has stated that people should be prepared to leave if conditions deteriorate further.

RFS has also confirmed that they are working on a backburning strategy for other locations in the Blue Mountains region ahead of the extreme fire danger forecast for Saturday.

Rachel Baxendale 1.25pm: ‘Turn off your dishwashers’

Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos has urged Victorians not to use appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines in order to maintain the security of the state’s energy grid, as Melbourne’s mercury reached 39.1C and Hopetoun Airport in Victoria’s northwest was the hottest place in the state at 45.4C just before 1pm on Friday.

It came after Grattan Institute energy program director Tony Wood dismissed Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’s claim renewable energy is “more reliable” than coal-fired power, saying the state’s key problem­ is a lack of supply following the closure of the Hazelwood coal-fired plant in 2017.

The Australian Energy Market Operator had not issued any market notices warning of a lack of supply early on Friday afternoon.

Remy Varga 1.20pm: NSW smoke shrouds Melbourne

Smoke hangs over Melbourne CBD from bushfires in the north. Picture: David Caird.
Smoke hangs over Melbourne CBD from bushfires in the north. Picture: David Caird.

Smoke from the NSW fires has shrouded Melbourne’s CBD as Victoria’s capital braces for record breaking temperatures.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said the smoke had travelled overnight from blazes currently burning in eastern NSW with Melbourne to remain hazy throughout the day as the city heated.

David Ross 1.17pm; Heatwave heads east

Much of Australia is preparing for scorching temperatures as the heatwave rolls east.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is forecasting temperatures 14 degrees above average across central and western Victoria and 16 degrees above average in South Australia.

Geoff Chambers 1.16pm: PM’s tin ear over fires

Scott Morrison has acknowledged he made a mistake in taking a pre-Christmas family holiday to Hawaii during a ferocious fire season.

For a Prime Minister who has demonstrated empathy and understanding for Australians during times of crisis, this was a rare “tin ear” moment.

Max Maddison 1.15pm: ‘Real heroes wear yellow’

Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32 fought fires side by side, laughed side by side, became new fathers side by side.

Their children were born just two days apart in May last year.

Those same children, a grieving community and two devastated families now face Christmas without them after they died when their RFS truck was struck by a falling tree.

Click here for the full article.

Kieran Gair 1.00pm: Power cuts across SA

Power has been cut in several towns in South Australia as fire crews struggle to contain two dangerous infernos burning on Adelaide’s fringes.

SA Power Networks said electricity has been cut to Lobethal and north of Woodside in the Mount Lofty Ranges, as well as Roseworthy, north of Adelaide.

“Due to the rapid escalation of weather and fire conditions power has been disconnected to Lobethal and north of Woodside,” the company said on Twitter.

Residents north of Adelaide, in Virginia and Two Wells, are being warned they may also face forced power outages because of the “rapid escalation” of fire conditions.

About 6,000 residents across South Australia, the majority in towns on Adelaide’s outskirts, are now without power.

It comes as searing temperatures sweep across the state, with Adelaide currently sweltering in 43C heat.

12.40pm: Watch and Act for Grose Valley

A Watch and Act alert has been put out for Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains. The NSW RFS warns residents in Mt Victoria, Mt York, Hartley Vale and Darling Causeway to plan to leave.

Kieran Gair 12.35pm: Emergency warning in Adelaide Hills

The SA Country Fire Service has issued an emergency warning for a blaze burning at the Northern Expressway at Angle Vale, in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

Homes and lives are under threat and the CFS has warned residents in Hillier, Hillier Park, Munno Para Downs, Kudla, Munno Para West and Angle Vale to “shelter now.”

“You are in danger. Do not leave or enter this area in a vehicle or on foot. It is too late to leave as the roads will not be safe,” the CFS said.

A second emergency warning is also in place for the Adelaide Hills fire burning near Hollands Creek Road and Snake Gully Road at Cudlee Creek.

56 fire trucks and eight water bombing aircraft are battling the blazes as Adelaide swelters in 43C heat.

A water bombing aircraft has also been sent from NSW to assist crews as the fire draws nearer to heavily populated areas on the outskirts of Adelaide.

Remy Varga 12.15pm: NSW smoke shrouds Melbourne

St Kilda beach is shrouded in smoke while the CBD is nearly invisible. Picture: Jason Edwards.
St Kilda beach is shrouded in smoke while the CBD is nearly invisible. Picture: Jason Edwards.

Smoke from the NSW fires has shrouded Melbourne’s CBD as Victoria’s capital braces for record breaking temperatures.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said the smoke had travelled overnight from blazes currently burning in eastern NSW with Melbourne to remain hazy throughout the day as the city heated.

“It’s come a very long way to get here and it’s come down through the ranges and come down to us at the moment,” he said.

“As it warms it’s probably going to remain pretty hazy throughout.”

Four fires are currently burning in Victoria’s Gippsland region as the state sweats through a heatwave with extreme heat forecasted.

It’s currently 36.9 degrees in Melbourne with the thermometer expected to hit 44 between 4-5pm on Friday.

A statewide total fire ban is in place.

Max Maddison 11.40am: Heartbreak over loss of ‘brothers’

Flowers were laid by a Horsley Park Brigade plaque to commemorate Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer. Picture: Robert Ovadio.
Flowers were laid by a Horsley Park Brigade plaque to commemorate Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer. Picture: Robert Ovadio.

The two volunteer firefighters who died overnight were close mates and new fathers with their children born just two days apart in May last year.

Geoffrey Keaton, 32, joined the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2006 and was the deputy captain of the Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade in western Sydney and a former member of the Plumpton Brigade.

Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, joined in 2003 and was also a member of the Horsley Park Brigade.

Geoff and his partner Jess have a son, Harvey, and Andrew has a daughter, Charlotte, with his partner Mel. Both children are 19 months old.

“They are at a loss,” NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said of the pair’s families.

“They’re in extraordinary shock and natural despair at the enormity of what’s confronting them and to try and comprehend the tragedy.”

Mr O’Dwyer and Mr Keaton were travelling in a truck convoy near the town of Buxton southwest of Sydney late on Thursday when a tree fell, causing the tanker to roll off the road.”

The plaque at the Horsley Park RFS HQ. Picture: Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade
The plaque at the Horsley Park RFS HQ. Picture: Horsley Park Rural Fire Brigade

Angelica Snowden 11.17am: Tahmoor mine remains closed

The Tahmoor Coking Mine remains closed after it was evacuated at 1.00pm on Thursday after bushfires burned through the Bargo area.

External Affairs Manager for GFG Alliance Luke O’Donnell said that 100 people were safely evacuated from the site.

“Our priority remains the safety of our people and the broader community.” Mr O’Donnell said.

It is unclear if there is damage to the mine or what impact the fires will have on production at this stage but Mr O’Donnell said the RFS would arrange access to the site when it is safe.

The mine normally operates 24 hours a day and produces hard coking coal used for steel making.

Lachlan Moffet Gray 11.15am: Fires cause travel disruptions

NSW TrainLink South has advised passengers that buses are replacing trains between Campbelltown and Moss Vale, with road closures preventing replacement bus services from accessing Tahmoor, Bargo and Yerrinbool stations.

There is currently no forecast for the Southern Highlands train service to resume.

Meanwhile, NSW TrainLink West has restarted Blue Mountains Line services between Katoomba and Mt Victoria with replacement buses servicing the Mt Victoria to Lithgow portion of the train line.

Bell and Zig Zag stations remain inaccessible by bus due to road closures on Bells Line of Road.

Angelica Snowden 11am: Evacuees ‘shellshocked’

The office manager of the Picton Bowling Club in Wollondilly Shire that is being used as an evacuation centre for said everyone is “shell shocked” after the horrific day on Thursday.

Christine Lang, 68 said the situation is still “dire”.

Ms Lang said about a hundred people slept in the bowling club on Thursday night as they took shelter from the catastrophic fires.

“Some people slept in their cars and outside with their pets too,” Ms Lang said.

Ms Lang said manager Bob Lang didn’t sleep because he was trying to help everyone.

Large amounts of food and water were donated by Coles and IGA, she said.

“It’s just lot’s of people coming together,” Ms Lang said.

Imogen Reid 10.55am: Business ‘lost over half our trade’

The owner of The Braidwood Bakery, a tourist hot spot in NSW’s Southern Tablelands, says his business has lost more than half of its trade on the days major roads have been closed off since the fires began in November.

“The fires have been going since late November, so on and off roads have been closed for that entire period,” John Woodman told The Australian.

“When that happens, we lose up to 70 per cent of our trade, which isn’t catastrophic because we are still trading, however the effects of that is our staff lose shifts, our production gets cut dramatically, and we’re not ordering as much because we’re not making as much.

“Money’s not being spent at Braidwood, I spoke to someone who owns a retail shop who only made $50 one day last week.

“It’s a pretty tough time, but we know that things are going to get better. At the end of the day we haven’t lost our house or our lives, so it could be worse.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged tourists to re-evaluate their holiday plans as the fires continue to rage.

Following the death of two firefighters, Ms Berejiklian has advised people to avoid travelling down the Princes Highway tomorrow.

“It is most likely that number of fires, between Ulladulla and Bateman’s Bay there affect the highway, and to the west, with strong westerly winds, it is likely to strengthen the Princes Highway which will call significant disruption and closure,” Ms Berejiklian told the press today.

10.50am: NSW to be ‘dangerously hot’

NSW is expected to get some reprieve from the heat heading into Christmas, but first the state must endure another “dangerously hot” day across coastal areas. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that Saturday could be even hotter than Thursday, when two firefighters were killed and several others hospitalised during an exhausting day battling out-of-control bushfires.

BOM acting NSW manager Jane Golding said temperatures would again rise into the mid-40s, with Penrith expecting a maximum of 47 degrees and coastal areas hitting the mid-to-high 30s.

“That’s dangerously hot weather,” she told reporters in Sydney. A gusty cool change is also expected on Saturday, which will bring some relief from the heat for central and southern NSW but create dangerous conditions on the waterways and challenging fire conditions.

“Those southerlies when they come through (will) be close to gale force,” Ms Golding said.

Max Maddison 10.45am: Emergency warning in SA

In South Australia, the Country Fire Service has issued an emergency warning for a grass fire burning near Cuddlee Creek.

Multiple crews and water bombers are attending the blaze which is approximately 6km South West of Gumeracha.

A Facebook post issued by the CFS advised residents too take shelter.

“You are now in danger. Take shelter in a solid building. Do not leave or enter this area in a vehicle or on foot. It is too late to leave as the roads will not be safe.”

Lachlan Moffet Gray 10/25am: Queensland extends fire ban

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has extended a fire ban covering large areas of the South-East of the state that borders NSW.

The ban will remain in place until 11.59pm on the 31st of December 2019 for residents in Logan, Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Somerset, the Lockyer Valley and the Gold Coast.

QFES has also advised residents in the Mount Maria and Lowmead regions to be aware that bushfires continue to burn in the area.

More information can be found on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website

Olivia Caisley 10.10am: Albanese ‘more concerned about firefighters than PM holiday’

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of two firefighters killed overnight while battling catastrophic bushfires southwest of Sydney.

Speaking on Nine’s Today program on Friday Mr Albanese said Scott Morrison’s decision to go on leave with his family had been an unwelcome distraction that had diverted attention from communities under attack from raging fires.

“I really don’t want to talk about Scott Morrison’s family holiday. I want to talk about the firefighters and these communities,” Mr Albanese said. “That is what matters here. It has been a distraction and it is unfortunate. It is a matter for him and his judgment when he goes on holiday.”

Mr Albanese said he didn’t understand why such secrecy had surrounded the Prime Minister’s whereabouts, which on Friday was revealed to be Hawaii.

“I just say that they should just say where he is, when he will come back, and then enough of it. I am more concerned about the firefighters here, their families, these communities.”

Mr Albanese said firefighters across the nation had shown extraordinary courage, bravery and resilience over the past few months as fires burned out of control.

“It just reminds us of the incredible risk that people are making and, in this case, tragedy, the ultimate sacrifice,” he told Today. “Two lost lives.”

David Ross 10.11am: Total fire ban in Victoria

Victoria is facing a total fire ban today across the state on the back of extreme heat.

Four fires are burning in Gippsland, with 448 firefighters, 84 trucks and 39 dozers fighting the blazes in the east of the state.

A spokesman from the Country Fire Authority told The Australian there were concerns around high heat and expected thunderstorms as the cool change rolls into the state around 10pm tonight

David Ross 10.05am: Australia temperatures rocket

Much of Australia is preparing for scorching temperatures as the heatwave rolls east.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is forecasting temperatures 14 degrees above average across central and western Victoria and 16 degrees above average in South Australia.

South Australia is facing its fourth straight day of searing heat, with today shaping up to be the worst day of the heatwave for Victoria, with temperatures in the high 40s.

Through inland parts of NSW we expect to see temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s and even into the mid 40s in some areas.

Canberra is looking at 41 degrees today and tomorrow, but the heatwave will break by Sunday.

Brisbane escapes the worst of the heatwave, 33 degrees today and tomorrow.

Sydney faces a hot smoky day ahead, but experts are warning Saturday will be the worst day yet with a top of 33.

Dean Sgarbossa, senior meteorologist, yesterday warned high temperatures and wind poses a catastrophic risk for firefighters over the weekend.

“The high temps, low humidity will drive fire dangers in fire affected areas of NSW,” he said.

“Wind shouldn’t be as strong as back in November when we had catastrophic fire danger, none the less winds will strengthen and become gusty as a cold front approaches from the west.”

The cold front is expected to make its way up the coast and reach Sydney area around 2 and 5pm and then make its way up the rest of the coast up Sunday morning.

Max Maddison 10.05am: Firefighters ‘well-respected’

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said that Mr Keaton and Mr O’Dwyer were “well-respected” and from a “close-knit brigade”.

“They work together, socialise together, they’re very interactive together. Their respective partners and wives shared a lot of common with their camaraderie and connection with the brigade.”

On a recent post on Facebook and Instagram, Mr O’Dwyer shared a video of himself dousing a bushfire with a watering can, joking: “We decided to save some water”.

“Last night with a little down time we decided to save some water (yes we had a truck full of water and yes this was a little fun)”.

Imogen Reid 10.00am: ‘Rethink travel’

Premier Gladys Berejiklian is urging holiday makers to rethink their travel plans after the death of two firefighters.

“My advice is I would avoid travelling down the Princes Highway tomorrow. It is most likely that a number of fires, between Ulladulla and Bateman’s Bay there affect the highway, and to the west, with strong westerly winds, it is likely to strengthen the Princes Highway which will call significant disruption and closure,” Ms Berejiklian told reporters.

“The last thing we want is people blocked and trapped on the highways if we have fires burning in a strong westerly wind condition spreading to the east across that. The Kings highway is closed, the Bell’s Line Road is closed.

“People need to reconsider re-evaluate their travel plans and defer them until we get through a critically dangerous day today.

“Change your plans if you need to. We advise you to change your plans.”

Olivia Caisley 9.52am: PM: I’ll offer moral support

The fire truck in which the two young volunteers were driving when it rolled is towed away. Picture: Twitter
The fire truck in which the two young volunteers were driving when it rolled is towed away. Picture: Twitter

Speaking on 2GB Radio on Friday Mr Morrison confirmed he had been holidaying with his family in Hawaii but had begun making arrangements to return to Australia as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister said he understood why he had courted criticism for taking leave amid catastrophic fire conditions, but disputed claims the nation’s leadership had been lacking in his absence.

“We were keeping in contact very strongly with what was happening but I think with the events of last night and those terrible fatalities I think it’s appropriate for me to return now,” he said.

Upon his return Mr Morrison said his first priority would be to head to the NSW Rural Fire Service headquarters to receive a briefing.

“I will go to the RFS HQ and see what other support we can provide but we know the support that can be provided by the Federal and Commonwealth government is being provided, already being facilitated,” he said.

Mr Morrison said that while he won’t be “holding a hose” or be on the frontlines fighting the blazes, he would try and provide moral support to those affected.

“If I can return and provide some moral support to people who are out there and doing it really tough then that’s what I can do and that’s what I’ll be very glad to do.”

“I think on this occasion because there’s been such horrendous events it has understandably caused a lot of anxiety and I deeply regret that, so does Jenny, and to all those affected by the fires especially, we deeply regret it,” Mr Morrison said.

Max Maddison 9.50am: Deaths ‘significant loss’

Gladys Berejiklian has paid tribute to the firefighters killed overnight and spoken of the “significant loss” their deaths have meant for their community.

Andrew O’Dwyer died overnight. Picture: RFS
Andrew O’Dwyer died overnight. Picture: RFS
Geoffrey Keaton: both men were new fathers. Picture: RFS.
Geoffrey Keaton: both men were new fathers. Picture: RFS.

“It’s a huge loss to the service. It’s a huge loss to the families and loved ones. And it’s a huge loss to the community of New South Wales,” the NSW Premier said in a press conference.

“We know that these men and women, our volunteers, are remarkable individuals. They’re ordinary, everyday individuals like you and I that go out and simply want to serve and protect and make a difference in their local community and they don’t ever go out in the knowledge that they might not come home from that shift.”

“Every time a loved ones goes out to fight a fire you hope they come back through the front door. That obviously has happened for two families a week before Christmas. I don’t think you can see a worse set of circumstances than seeing two young dads lose their lives in this way. That’s had an impact not only on their families but all volunteers.”

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said that Mr Keaton and Mr O’Dwyer were “well-respected” and from a “close-knit brigade”.

“They work together, socialise together, they’re very interactive together. Their respective partners and wives shared a lot of common with their camaraderie and connection with the brigade.”

Max Maddison 9.40am: Firefighters were young dads

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has revealed the two firefighters who died overnight were both young fathers whose babies were born two days apart.

Deputy Captain Geoff Keaton, 32, and Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, both died after a tree fell on their truck causing the vehicle to roll down a hill.

“Geoff has a young son Harvey and Andrew has a young daughter Charlotte, and both of those children were born two days apart back in May so they’re 19 months of age, which is just terrible,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Anne Barrowclough 9.15am: Dead firefighters named

The two RFS firefighters killed overnight have been identified as two young fathers, both from the Horsely Park Brigade.

They were named as Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton, 32, and Andrew O’Dwyer, 36.

Emily Ritchie 9.10am: Victoria braces for extreme heat

Victorians are bracing for extreme heat as forecasts threaten to crack December records with a statewide total fire ban in place.

Temperatures will climb into the 40s across the state on Friday. Melbourne is forecast to hit 44C, soaring close to Black Saturday in 2009, when the temperature reached 46.4C.

Swan Hill and Mildura are expected to reach 47C, with Mildura’s current December record standing at 44C.

The fire danger rating will be very high to extreme across all regions and a total fire ban is in place statewide.

“We saw more than 40 fires on Wednesday, and in some respects that was a taste of what will be coming on Friday,” Emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp said on Thursday.

“We cannot afford to be complacent in any part of the state.” Emergency Victoria stressed the need to be bushfire ready, preparing and cleaning properties and developing an escape plan.

A southerly wind will bring on a cool change by the end of Friday, but thunderstorms without rain are likely, bringing the threat of lightning strikes. Almost 500 firefighters are battling three uncontained fires in East Gippsland with 84 trucks and 41 dozers on the ground, the County Fire Authority says. There’s another 118 firefighters patrolling blazes at Somerton with a helicopter and dozer on hand, while more than 260 firefighters remain at the contained Tambo Crossing fire.

Olivia Caisley 8.30am: PM cuts short holiday

Scott Morrison has cut short his holiday and issued an apology to the families of the firefighters killed overnight battling catastrophic blazes on the outskirts of Sydney, declaring he “deeply regrets” any offence caused by taking leave with his family.

In a statement issued on Friday morning the Prime Minister explained he had brought forward a family holiday due to the need to travel to Japan and India in January. He will return to Australia immediately.

“I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time,” Mr Morrison said.

“I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy.

“As noted, given the most recent tragic events, I will be returning to Sydney as soon as can be arranged.”

The two volunteer firefighters were killed when a falling tree caused their fire truck to roll off a road southwest of Sydney on Thursday night.

In a separate statement, Mr Morrison paid tribute to the two young men, saying their sacrifice would always be remembered.

“They were bravely defending their communities with an unmatched spirit and a dedication that will forever set them apart among our most courageous Australians,” he said in a statement, as he expressed “sincere condolences and sympathies” to the families of the firefighters, who died near the town of Buxton.

“Our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues who have been working tirelessly beside them, particularly during this Christmas period,” he said.

Mr Morrison faced an onslaught of criticism during the week as people questioned why he had taken leave during a bushfire catastrophe.

Mr McCormack has served as acting prime minister since the weekend.

Emily Ritchie 8.55am: Firefighters killed battling blaze

Two volunteer firefighters were killed when a falling tree caused their fire truck to roll off a road southwest of Sydney on Thursday night.

The RFS firefighters were in the line of duty at the Green Wattle Creek fire near Buxton when the accident occurred late on Thursday night.

The driver and front seat passenger were killed in the crash, with three other injured firefighters having to fight off approaching flames while they waited for paramedics to arrive.

Fire and Rescue personal run to move their truck as a bushfire approaches on the outskirts of Bilpin. Picture: Getty Images.
Fire and Rescue personal run to move their truck as a bushfire approaches on the outskirts of Bilpin. Picture: Getty Images.

They were taken to hospital, one with superficial burns, but are expected to be released today.

NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons was with the families of the victims last night to offer support.

Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers offered condolences from the service to the families on Friday morning, saying the incident would “impact significantly” on others out in the line of fire.

“Their brigade was a tight-knit group so this is going to impact significantly on that tight brigade,” deputy commissioner Rogers said.

He said volunteers close to those who were killed would be offered time away from the fire fronts, but that “often firefighters want to get back to doing what they do because that’s a coping mechanism too.”

He confirmed police had launched an investigation into the crash.

(RFS) crews battle to save homes near the town of Tahmoor as the Green Wattle Creek Fire threatens communities. Picture: AAP.
(RFS) crews battle to save homes near the town of Tahmoor as the Green Wattle Creek Fire threatens communities. Picture: AAP.

Another three firefighters have been taken to hospital after receiving severe burns while fighting the Green Wattle Creek blaze, two of which have been put into induced comas.

At 7.30am on Friday morning there were over 100 fires burning across the state, with over half of those yet to be contained.

The Green Wattle Creek fire was at the highest emergency warning alert level, with another two blazes – the Gospers Mountain and Kerry Ridge fires northwest of Sydney – at Watch and Act alert level.

Deputy commissioner Rogers said the RFS’ main aim on Friday was to strengthen containment lines of fire ahead of dangerously hot and windy conditions on Saturday.

“(Saturday) is going to be another awful day for us,” he said.

The tragedy came on a horrendous day of fire; earlier five volunteer firefighters were “enveloped” by fire after an inferno burning on Sydney’s outskirts overran their truck and left two men with burns so ­severe that specialists at Concord Hospital were forced to place them into induced comas.

The men — aged 36 and 56 — were flown to Concord Hospital with severe burns to their faces, airways, arms and upper chests, while a 28-year-old woman volunteer was taken to Liverpool Hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Buxton resident Alan Bell described the moment the blaze engulfed the firefighters as horrific.

“There were five fireys in that truck and it got caught in the flames at Bargo,” Mr Bell said.

Thursday marked yet another perilous day when at least 20 homes were lost and communities on Sydney’s fringes were left shattered by the NSW bushfire crisis. Friday is forecast to bring a ­reprieve but another heatwave is expected to arrive on Saturday.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a seven-day state of emergency as searing temper­atures combined with strong winds to fan ferocious blazes to the immediate north, south and west of Sydney.

More to come

AAP

More Coverage

Smoke from the NSW fires has shrouded Melbourne’s
Remy Varga
Mates turn on ‘climate firey’
BRAD NORINGTON
HOLDING THE THIN RED LINE
Jamie Walker
Shattered: 20 homes lost, fireys burned
Debbie Schipp, Elias Visontay
Spot fires from Gospers Mountain blaze at Clarence
Read related topics:Bushfires

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/bushfires-scott-morrison-cuts-holiday-short-after-fire-deaths/news-story/ec29f06861c47082d9d9836e4ca6f4de