NSW, Queensland fires emergency: Homes lost as bushfires ravage two states
A grandmother defending her home and a man trapped in a car among those killed in nightmare weekend.
That concludes The Weekend Australian’s live coverage of the unfolding bushfire emergency in NSW and Queensland. At least three people have died, several others are missing and more than 150 homes have been destroyed.
10pm: Summing up the NSW and Queensland fires on Saturday night
NSW:
Two people were dead in the town of Wytaliba near Glen Innes and seven missing.
A third person was confirmed dead after police discovered her body in a burnt-out home north of Taree on Saturday evening.
Wytaliba resident Vivian Chaplain, 69, was confirmed as one of the victims.
A second victim found in a car was believed to be the body of an elderly man from Wytaliba.
Up to 30 people have been injured.
More than 150 homes have lost with the figure expected to rise.
About 80 grassfires and bushfires were still burning with half out of control. Emergency warnings were in place for fires at Hillville south of Taree and Gum Scrub in Port Macquarie.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that Australian Defence Force reservists could be deployed.
The Insurance Council of Australia has declared the NSW bushfire crisis a “catastrophe”, meaning claims will be prioritised.
No rain is forecast in fire-affected areas this weekend. Conditions are set to worsen in the next few days with hot temperatures, low humidity and strong northwesterly winds increasing fire danger.
Queensland:
About 50 bushfires were burning with emergency warnings at Cooroibah/Ringtail Creek and Noosa North Shore. Both are part of the larger Cooroibahfire north of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.
Up to 9000 people have been evacuated due to the Cooroibah fire.
One home was lost at Cooroibah.
One firefighter suffered a broken leg in the Cooroibah blaze.
It was too dangerous for people to go home to Noosa Banks, Noosa North Shore and areas of Cooroibah and Ringtail Creek.
Some residents of Tewantin were allowed home.
A state of fire emergency has declared across 42 local government areas.
Major fires were also reported at Tarome in the Scenic Rim, Thornton in the Lockyer Valley and Cobraball, southwest of Yeppoon.
Weather conditions causing severe fire danger across the state’s southeast corner were moving north into central Queensland
AAP
8.40pm: Danger warning for WA town downgraded
A bushfire that was threatening locals at a small community north of Perth has been brought under control.
An emergency warning had been issued for people near the blaze which broke out in Cataby, 170km north of Perth, about 2.45pm on Saturday (see below).
The warning level meant people’s lives were in danger and they needed to act immediately to survive, with homes also at risk.
The alert was reduced to watch and act — which still means people should leave the area or get ready to actively defend their homes — about 4.15pm local time. “The bushfire is stationary. It is controlled but not contained,” the Fire and Emergency Services department said in a statement.
Cataby had a modest population of 52 at the time of the 2016 Census. Earlier, a bushfire was brought under control in Perth’s northern suburbs after threatening lives and homes.
An emergency warning had been issued for parts of Gnangara about 12.50pm, but was later downgraded to an advice level.
7.45pm: Queensland has emergencies in 42 LGAs
Thousands of people are displaced in Queensland tonight as huge fires rage amid dangerous weather conditions that are expected to continue.
Fifty fires were burning on Saturday afternoon, with emergency warning levels for two blazes north of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.
Late Saturday night, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued a “too late to leave’’ alert for the Cobraball and Bungundarra area near the central Queensland coast.
“It is now too late to leave the area. Driving now would be extremely dangerous,’’ it said.
Emergency Alert issued by QFES. The message advises that there is a significant fire at Cobraball/Bungundarra. Those in the area are being asked to stay updated & see what action is required by looking at the latest warning at https://t.co/sLEm78d6UO
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) November 9, 2019
Prepare-to-leave alerts were issued for several other areas.
A state of fire emergency has been declared across 42 local-government areas, with dangerous conditions forecast to continue into next week, AAP reported.
State Fire and Emergency Services acting commissioner Mike Wassing said the declaration prohibited outdoor fires as well as welding, grinding and the use of oxyacetylene cutting or heating outdoors.
“We’re experiencing tinder box-like conditions across much of the state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days,” Mr Wassing said. A disaster area has been declared at the Noosa fire that has destroyed a house and forced thousands to evacuate.
It is still so dangerous that police have warned people from Noosa Banks, Noosa North Shore and areas of Cooroibah and Ringtail Creek not to return.
But residents of Tewantin outside of the evacuation boundary were allowed home. The fire is being fought on the ground and from the air as the evacuees shelter with friends or at evacuation centres.
Noosa state MP Sandy Bolton said there was good cheer among evacuees – and their animals – at one centre despite fears of losing their homes. “There’s a huge amount of dogs and cats … and they are all getting on,” she told AAP.
The evacuees were tucking into donated prawns and pizza as they shared tales, she said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said they would get appropriate counselling. “Because when they actually have to suddenly get up and leave their home and belongings it can be very distressing,” she said.
A State of Fire Emergency has been declared in 42 Local Gov Areas across #Qld - read more below 👇
— Transport and Main Roads Queensland (@TMRQld) November 9, 2019
Fires can create hazards on our roads. Keep up to date with the latest @QldFES & @QldPolice advice. Always, check https://t.co/bytabM2Puf for latest roads/travel info #QLDFires https://t.co/QhIP8EC4Rb
One firefighter has broken a leg but no other injuries have been reported. Noosa mayor Tony Wellington said when the areas were eventually opened up, people would see how close the fires came to their homes.
“They’ll be aware of what an incredible job the firefighting team did,” he said.
The fire started at Cooroibah before jumping the river to Teewah, creeping towards Tewantin and Noosa North Shore.
Further to the south, residents were also told evacuate from near the Thornton bushfire in the Lockyer Valley.
People were also told to get out of the path of a bushfire at Tarome in the Scenic Rim, and a grass fire at Cobraball, southwest of Yeppoon. Scenic Rim mayor Greg Christensen said it was far from over in his region that also battled huge blazes at the start of the fire season.
“It has been a long 24 hours, and things remain volatile,” he said. He said it could be weeks before some are out in the rugged bushland.
Conditions are expected to ease on Monday but flare up again on Tuesday.
Elias Visontay 6.55pm: Third death is confirmed in NSW
A third person has been confirmed dead in NSW after a body was found in a burnt-out building north of Taree on the mid-north coast this afternoon.
The body was found after fires swept through the township of Johns River, 40km north of Taree, earlier on Saturday afternoon, NSW Police said.
The burnt-out home belonged to a woman aged 63 but a post-mortem examination will be required to confirm identity and cause of death, police said.
Officers from Manning Great Lakes Police District were speaking with the woman’s family, and had initiated inquiries.
EMERGENCY WARNING: Bills Crossing Crowdy (Mid-Coast LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
The fire is spreading quickly towards the Johns River area. If you are in the area of Johns River, take shelter in a solid structure as the fire approaches. #nswrfs #nswfires #alert pic.twitter.com/eeX6Go7h3i
Police will prepare a report for the state coroner.
Several people are still unaccounted for and RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says more fatalities were feared.
“We can’t rule out the really grave concerns that there could be more losses or indeed more fatalities as we get through and identify details across these fire grounds,” he told reporters in Sydney.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says her thoughts are with all those affected by the fires. “The situation is very serious,” she said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and loved ones of those who have died and to all who have been affected by these fires.”
6.45pm: WA emergency warning for town north of Perth
A bushfire was burning out of control north of Perth, with locals in or around a service station warned their lives and homes were in danger.
An emergency warning was issued for people inside or near the Liberty Service Station on Brand Highway in Cataby, 170km north of Perth, about 2.45pm on Saturday.
“The bushfire is moving fast in a south-easterly direction. It is out of control and unpredictable,” the state Fire and Emergency Services department said in a statement, AAP reported.
The warning level means people’s lives are in danger and they need to act immediately to survive, with homes also at risk.
The department had earlier issued a more moderate advice warning for the blaze, which broke out near the intersection of Brand Highway and Caro Road. But the fire intensified and jumped containment lines.
Another threatening bushfire in Perth’s north has been brought under control. An emergency warning had been issued for people in parts of Gnangara about 12.50pm, but it has since been downgraded to an advice.
A watch and act alert had also been issued for northern parts of Gidgegannup, northeast of Perth, but was downgraded to an advice within an hour as the fire was extinguished.
Bushfire risks in WA have spiked with extremely hot, dry and windy conditions across the state.
Authorities have warned people throughout the state to be prepared for bushfires as temperatures soar to 40C in Perth.
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said the risk posed by high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday was compounded by the risk of “dry lightning” which could spark blazes and strong winds.
“Those strong winds are the reasons the fire danger gets elevated because of the challenges we have controlling fires in these conditions,” he told reporters. The dry conditions were comparable to 2015 when the Waroona-Yarloop fire ripped through the state’s southwest, Mr Klemm said.
Two people were killed and more than 69,000 hectares of land was burnt in the blaze, which continued for 17 days.
Mr Klemm said Saturday’s “significant fire day” affecting all of the state was significant because it was happening outside of the normal bushfire period. He urged people to discuss their plan and not to take the risk lightly, even in metropolitan areas.
The message was backed up by the state’s Emergency Services Minister Fran Logan. “There will never be enough fire trucks to service every house in Western Australia … it’s just not going to happen,” he said.
People should take extra precautions and check the DFES website for warnings, he urged.
Extreme fire-danger ratings are in place for West Kimberley Coast, Kimberley Inland, East Pilbara Coast, West Pilbara Coast, Gascoyne Inland, North Interior, the northern Inland and Coastal Central West, the southern Coastal Central West and Mortlock.
Under this rating, any fire that takes hold will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast-moving.
6.15pm: Insurance ‘catastrophe’ declaration in NSW
The Insurance Council of Australia on Saturday issued a statement calling the NSW fires a “catastrophe’’ for insurance purposes, as it did for bushfires last September.
Insurance Council has declared a Catastrophe for NSW mid-north coast bushfires. Insurers are mobilising disaster recovery teams. News release will be available shortly. #bushfires #catastrophe #insurance
— Insurance Council (@ICAUS) November 8, 2019
“The catastrophe declaration means claims from these bushfires will be prioritised by all insurers, and they will be focusing on reducing the immense emotional and financial stress experienced by residents and businesses,” Insurance Council executive Karl Sullivan said.
“Insurers will be poised to move into these communities once emergency services declare it safe to do so,” he said.
“I urge property owners to do the same — do not return to your home until you are told it is safe.’’
Insurance Council urges #bushfire region residents not to return to home until they're given the all-clear. Catastrophe declared: https://t.co/h26Zaoy2Fg #nswfires #nswbushfires #catastrophe
— Insurance Council (@ICAUS) November 9, 2019
Elias Visontay 5.10pm: Emergency warnings climb to five
There are now five emergency warnings in place in NSW after a fire at the Crowdy Bay National Park was escalated.
The fire, just north of Taree and south of Port Macquarie, is covering an area greater than 10,000 hectares.
EMERGENCY WARNING: Bills Crossing Crowdy (Mid-Coast LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
The fire is spreading quickly towards the Johns River area. If you are in the area of Johns River, take shelter in a solid structure as the fire approaches. #nswrfs #nswfires #alert pic.twitter.com/eeX6Go7h3i
Some 80 fires are burning across the state with about 40 uncontained. Five are at emergency warning level at Hillville south of Taree, the nearby Crowdy Bay National Park, Cooperabung north of Port Macquarie, the Chaelundi and Marara state forests west of Nymboida and Nimbin north of Lismore.
There are 15 fires at the “watch and act” alert level.
Authorities have appealed to people to register both themselves and any loved ones they are concerned about.
The Red Cross says so far 1300 people have registered in eight evacuation centres across the state.
4.50pm: Fire threatens homes in Perth
People living in part of a suburb in Perth’s north have been told a bushfire is threatening their lives and homes.
An emergency warning has been issued for people the northern area of Gnangara, where a fire began on Sydney Road.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes,” the state’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services says. Homes on Sydney Road are under threat from fire now.
A watch and act alert has also been issued for northern parts of Gidgegannup, a township 20km northeast of Perth.
That means residents need to leave or prepare to actively defend their homes. More broadly, bushfire risks across WA have spiked with extremely hot, dry and windy conditions lashing the state.
Authorities have warned people throughout the state to be prepared for bushfires as temperatures soar to 40C in Perth.
Elias Visontay 4.20pm: Situation escalates in northern NSW
The focus of NSW fire authorities’ attention has shifted further north in the state on Saturday afternoon.
At about 4pm, an emergency warning was issued for a large fire at Liberation Trail, between Glen Innes and Coffs Harbour. The blaze is burning across 90,000 hectares of land.
EMERGENCY WARNING: Liberation Trail (Clarence Valley LGA)
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
The fire is spreading quickly towards Coutts Crossing and Chambigne. If you are in the area of Old Glen Innes Rd Chambigne, or Armidale Rd Coutts Crossing, seek shelter as the fire approaches. #nswrfs #nswfires #alert pic.twitter.com/FnwKjVMUCU
Further south in the state, a fire at Gum Scrub, adjacent to Port Macquarie, has been escalated to an emergency warning, while a blaze further west of Port Macquarie at Stockyard Flat, that had been at emergency level, was downgraded.
The updated warnings come about an hour after a fire at Mount Nardi National Park, just west of Byron Bay, was escalated to emergency warning.
The fourth emergency warning in place in NSW is for a blaze at Hillville, just south of Taree.
In Queensland, an emergency warning is in place for the Cooroibah fire threatening Tewantin, near Noosa.
There is also an emergency warning in place for a fire in Perth’s north, at Gnangara.
Elias Visontay 4.05pm: First NSW bushfire victim identified
A 69-year-old grandmother has been identified as one of the two people to have died from the fire near Glen Innes.
According to police, Vivian Chaplain was found severely burned at a property on Old Grafton Road at Diehard, just east of Glen Innes, about 7pm on Friday.
She was given first aid and CPR by emergency services on the scene but died overnight in Concord Hospital.
It is understood she died while trying to defend her home.
Her daughter-in-law told ABC News she would be “greatly missed” by her two children and six grandchildren.
“She was a strong woman who died protecting the home and animals she loved,” she said.
“The loss of her has devastated our family there was nothing we could do.
“She was stuck and we couldn’t get to her.” she said.
Police also found the body of a man in a burnt out vehicle, but are yet to confirm his identity.
The two deaths have been described as a “total shock” to the community.
“They all felt they were reasonably prepared,” Margaret Kiehne, a Red Cross emergency services liaison officer in the area, told ABC News.
“The fire came at such a pace they just can’t believe,”
“It’s a small, alternate community (in Diehard/Wytaliba) … very much a community, they all know each other.” she said.
3.55pm: Bushfire threat spikes in WA
The alert level for a bushfire at a small town in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region has been reduced from an emergency level to watch and act. The emergency warning for Regans Ford, more than 100km north of Perth, lasted for almost three hours on Friday afternoon.
A possible threat to lives and homes remains, however, as the blaze is still out of control and unpredictable.
Separately, a watch and act alert issued for the northern part of Coondle, north of Toodyay, has been downgraded to an advice level.
Bushfire risks across Western Australia have spiked with extremely hot, dry and windy conditions lashing the state.
Authorities have warned people across the state to be prepared for bushfires as temperatures soar to 40C in Perth.
“Today the state of Western Australia is facing a significant bushfire threat all the way from the Pilbara to the down to the south coast around Esperance and Ravensthorpe,” Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said. He said the risk posed by high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday was compounded by the risk of “dry lightning” which could spark blazes.
“The really strong winds that are forecast … those strong winds are the reasons the fire danger gets elevated because of the challenges we have controlling fires in these conditions,” Mr Klemm told reporters.
– AAP
Elias Visontay 3.20pm: Emergency fire warning near Byron Bay
An emergency warning has been issued for a fire burning at the Mount Nardi National Park, just west of Byron Bay.
Authorities are advising residents in Tuntable Falls to leave immediately towards Nimbin, and for those in Terania Creek to leave towards The Channon, as the blaze — covering more than 2,000 hectares — is pushed southwest by strong winds.
Difficult firefighting conditions on the Hillville Fire, south of Taree. This is the fire burning near Diamond Beach. The fire is at Emergency Warning level. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/pJYWet1MEY
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
The escalation brings the number of emergency warnings in place in NSW to three, with one at Stockyard Flat, west of Port Macquarie, covering an area of about 59,000 hectares.
The other fire at emergency warning level, at Hillville just south of Taree, covers an area of about 13,000 hectares.
The Pacific Highway remains closed between Cundletown and Nabiac, with several other local roads closed due to fire activity, NSW Police say.
In Queensland, an emergency warning is in place for a fire at Tewantin, near Noosa. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have advised residents at threat from the Cooroibah fire to evacuate immediately.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) is open to assist the public in relation to bushfire information for the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley, Mid North Coast, and Manning/Great Lakes areas. Phone: 1800 227 228. Check local road closures here.
3pm: ‘It was hell on Earth’
Dozens of homes in the town of Nymboida, west of Coffs Harbour, are believed lost.
Clarence Valley councillor Ritchie Williamson says the full picture of devastation is yet to emerge but he expected the toll would be significant, calling it “a miracle” no deaths had been reported there.
“It was hell on Earth,” Cr Williamson told the ABC of the moment yesterday afternoon when fire engulfed the community.
“When the firefront hit, it was like midnight, it went pitch black.”
“The sound and the roar and the sheer anger of the firefront is what stuck with me the most I think.”
He said residents had little time to react.
“By the time they’ve got the message to leave, the firefront was literally at their back or front door. The tales I’ve heard are chilling.”
He said residents had experienced burns and smoke inhalation but “there will be some mental scares from this tragedy.”
“There are many people this morning tragically who did not have a home.
“I would expect certainly dozens (of homes lost). It is a catastrophic event.”
One local resident likened it to “the apocalypse”.
“There’s nothing that the fireys could have done.”
“Every second house in this street is gone. I’d expect half of Nymboida to be displaced after this.”
2.30pm: Mayor loses home: ‘It’s climate change’
A mayor who likely lost her home in a northern NSW bushfire which has claimed at least two lives says her community has been “devastated” and the entire country is at risk from dangerous climate change.
Carol Sparks was among residents evacuated as the Kangawalla fire east of Glen Innes in the Northern Tablelands burned on Friday.
The Glen Innes Severn Council mayor has been told her home was likely destroyed with neighbours saying they heard explosions coming from the property in Wytaliba.
“(But) I’m not going to believe it until I see it,” she said on Saturday morning as she returned to the fire-ravaged area.
EMERGENCY WARNING : Mt Nardi NP (Lismore LGA): If you are in the area of Tuntable Falls, leave now towards Nimbin.
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
If you are in the area of Terania Creek Road and Terania Creek, leave now towards The Channon. #nswrfs #nswfireshttps://t.co/WEmTuI0fXP pic.twitter.com/srtXPuGBEm
Her thoughts were first and foremost with the families of those who had died and others who are missing, Ms Sparks said.
“The worst thing is that we have lost family and friends and we are all very upset.” The mayor said the small community of about 100 people is in shock with five people having suffered burn injuries.
Some people remained as the firestorm bore down, and managed to save their properties, Ms Sparks said.
“Everybody knows each other and there are people missing that we haven’t able to contact. It’s very worrying.” It is thought some 20 properties have been destroyed including the local primary school.
As well as extensive damage to homes, buildings and facilities, there is also broad damage to infrastructure including power lines. This is at the Kangawalla fire near Glen Innes. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/xLmkYD3JkL
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
Ms Sparks has no doubt global warming is increasing the number of fires and their intensity.
“We are so impacted by drought and the lack of rain,” she said. “It’s climate change, there’s no doubt about it. The whole of the country is going to be affected. We need to take a serious look at our future.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday was asked whether this year’s unprecedented fires were linked to climate change.
“My only thoughts today are with those who have lost their lives and their families, the firefighters who are fighting the fires (and) the response effort that has to be delivered,” he replied in Sydney.
– AAP
2pm: 150 homes lost, more details of fire deaths emerge
Authorities have confirmed the number of homes destroyed by fires in NSW has risen to 150.
Meanwhile, NSW Police have begun an investigation on behalf of the coroner over the discovery of a body found in a burnt-out vehicle near the Kangawalla fire in Glen Innes.
Police said the body was found in the Diehard area, about 50 kilometres east of Glen Innes.
It is believed firefighters made the discovery during a sweep of the area on Saturday.
Details have also emerged about the death of a woman in the same fire. Police say she was found severely burned at property on Old Grafton Road at Diehard about 7pm on Friday.
She was given first aid and CPR by emergency services on the scene but died overnight in
Concord Hospital.
NSW fire authorities have warned the death toll may rise.
At least 150 homes have been destroyed in the NSW bush fires. Our Building Impact Assessment Teams are still working to reach some areas. Due to the dangers of fire, smoke and asbestos, it's likely to be some time before residents can get back to affected areas. #nswrfs
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
Elias Visontay 1.20pm: PM warns Australians to brace for more bad news
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged federal support to bushfire victims, as he warned Australians to brace for “worse news” from fire-affected communities in NSW and Queensland.
Mr Morrision convened a meeting with Cabinet ministers over emergency response efforts, and said the ADF had been providing assistance, with more aircraft and personnel on standby.
“These fires have already claimed two lives, that have been confirmed.” Mr Morrison told reporters at a press conference at Kirribilli House, just hours after a second fatality was confirmed at Glen Innes.
“We’re expecting worse news as the day unfolds. There have been hundreds of properties that have been destroyed, homes that have been destroyed, and as we get access to further areas that have been cut off, we’re expecting worse news again.
“The resilience and the coordination and the bravery and the professionalism of our disaster agencies are on full display.”
Mr Morrison said 76 aircraft had assisted or were ready to assist with the fires, and he was looking for an early opportunity to visit fire-affected areas to provide “direct personal support”.
“Our main thoughts and our prayers are with those who have been so directly and horribly impacted by these fires. Those who have lost loved ones, and those who will learn they have lost loved ones in the not too distant future. Those who have lost homes. Those who are sitting in the smouldered ruins of properties that once stood. They are the ones that Australians will be thinking of today.
The Hillville Rd fire continues to impact on the areas of Old Bar and Wallabi Point. Firefighters and aircraft are working to protect properties in the area. Residents should seek shelter as the fire approaches. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/lNNl5JrZKi
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
“I want them to be assured of the kindness, love and support of their fellow Australians, and that their governments will be doing everything they can, not just to relieve them from this immediate situation, but to be there in the recovery in the weeks and the months and years ahead.” Mr Morrison said.
Conditions have slightly eased since Friday, however two fires remain at emergency level in NSW, at Hillville and Stockyard Flat. Concern has now turned to Tuesday, when fire conditions are forecast to worsen.
There is also an emergency warning in place for the fire at Tewantin, near Noosa in Queensland. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have put out a warning to residents near the Cooroibah fire to leave immediately.
At 12pm there are 81 fires burning across NSW with 43 uncontained. In yesterday's extremely dangerous fire activity, at least 100 homes were lost. This number is expected to increase. There have also been 2 people confirmed dead and 7 still unaccounted for. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/j054qngH3H
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 9, 2019
1pm: Conditions set to worsen on Tuesday
Conditions are set to get worse with a dry and windy forecast showing no signs of let-up for firefighters and affected residents.
“Given the circumstances forecast for today which is a continuance of dry, windy conditions across an already very dry landscape there’s every likelihood that we’ll see fires increase in their alert level,” said Mr Fitzsimmons. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon and no rain is forecast throughout the weekend.
State Pemier Gladys Berejiklian said the worst may be yet to come. “We do need to brace ourselves and what is concerning is that the forecast weather conditions on Tuesday could mean that we’re not through the worst of it,” she told reporters at the press conference.
“We can’t rule out the really grave concerns that there could be more losses or indeed more fatalities as we get through and identify details across these firegrounds,” NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.
Authorities have appealed to people to register themselves, and register details if they are concerned for missing loved ones.
12.30pm: Greens turn on the PM over fire emergency
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has pledged federal support for fire victims.
“The situation as it is at the moment, as it is unfolding, is very, very worrying,” Mr McComack told reporters in the Riverina, NSW.
He said for the more than 100 homes that have been destroyed, the government will act under emergency procedures with regards to financing for those people who are now homeless.
“Those people will not be left without shelter. Those people will not be left without cash,” he said.
Meanwhile, Greens spokesman for the climate crisis Adam Bandt in a statement said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life.
“Our hearts go out to all the families and communities impacted, as well as the firefighters tackling these terrifying scenes,” Mr Bandt said. But he then turned on Mr Morrison, saying he “bears some responsibility” and must apologise to the communities impacted.
“Scott Morrison has not got the climate crisis under control,” he said.
“Let me be clear. I’m not saying the prime minister is directly responsible for the fires and the loss of life, but he has contributed to making it more likely that these kinds of tragedies will occur.”
– AAP
12.05pm: ‘This fire is a beast’
A NSW mayor has made an emotional appeal to residents of NSW not affected by bushfires to “please ration their water” in case it is needed to help desperate, drought-ravaged communities now being razed by fire.
Mid North Coast Council Mayor David West said the conditions were unlike anything locals had seen in their lifetimes.
“From what I’ve seen this is not going to get any better,” Cr West told the ABC.
“This fire is a beast. It is unbelievable.”
He said watching local volunteers risk their lives for others had been a humbling experience.
“These people are experienced people, but this thing isn’t behaving like a normal fire.
“We’re Australians fighting for Australians. Take care”
11.20am: Noosa residents told to leave
Residents are being urged to evacuate the Sunshine Coast community of Noosa, where a bushfire emergency order is in place.
Thousands of people have already fled the area, with suburbs remaining cut off as a bushfire rages out of control.
Tewantin, in Noosa’s north, is cut off and there are concerns spot fires could cause more havoc as temperatures rise throughout the day.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 36 fires were still burning across the state and changing weather conditions could complicate firefighting efforts on the Sunshine Coast.
Roughly 2000 people were evacuated from Tewantin and Noosa North Shore on Friday afternoon and into the night, independent Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said. They sought shelter at local showgrounds, sporting facilities and church outreach centres.
One firefighter broke their leg and a home has been destroyed at Cooroibah. It is understood the fire started at Cooroibah before jumping the river to Teewah and creeping towards Tewantin.
The Tewantin fire is one of three major fires burning in Queensland, with crews also fighting blazes at Lower Beechmont in the Gold Coast hinterland and at Thornton in the Lockyer Valley.
A severe fire danger is in place for the coastal and adjacent inland areas from Gympie to Ingham, and in the northern goldfields including Charters Towers, Julia Creek and Georgetown.
Authorities said 37 fires were burning across Queensland as of Saturday morning.
– AAP
10.53am: This is beyond serious: Premier
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has described NSW’s unfolding bushfire emergency as “beyond serious”.
“We are seeing a situation in NSW that we have not seen before,” Ms Berejiklian told a press conference on Saturday.
“Please know that we may not be through the worst of it.”
However, she said she had complete confidence in the ability and resourcing of the NSW Rural Fire Service to protect communities.
“We are the only state with a large air tanker and it is in use.”
NSW RFS Commissoner Shane Fitzsimmons said fires across the state were “burning at a magnitude we simply have not seen before.”
“We cannot overstate the influence of the drought on this situation,” he said.
Firefighters were seeking access to water from local farmers, as well as employing dry firefighting techniques where possible, he said.
10.36am: Second person dead
NSW fire authorities have confirmed a second person has died in fires in NSW.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said a woman had been found unconscious near the Kangawalla fireground in Glen Innes with burns to 50 per cent of her body and had been treated for several hours at the scene by emergency workers who administered CPR and first aid.
“We are advised that that lady has passed away in hospital,” he told a press conference on Saturday.
Hers is the second death in the Kangawalla fire so far.
Hot air and thick smoke rising above the NSW fires is causing pyrocumulus clouds to form over the state's northeast. These clouds are capable of creating their own wind and sometimes thunderstorms. pic.twitter.com/0ltTe5GheN
— Ben Domensino (@Ben_Domensino) November 8, 2019
Seven people are now unaccounted for in NSW and authorities are expecting that number to climb, along with the number of homes destroyed, which currently stands at more than 100.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said some people had suffered “terrible burn injuries” as a result of this emergency.
“We are seeing extraordinary fire behaviour,” he said, describing it as “hostile, truly awful”.
“The flammability and the lack of moisture in the vegetation is making it so susceptible to ignition.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the area burnt so far in NSW was already three times the size of the entire area burnt in the state during last year’s fire season.
“The risk is real, the risk is here … We’re not even in summer yet.”
The Glen Innes fire, where a person was found dead in a burnt out car this morning, has been downgraded to a watch and act.
The adult son of Glen Innes Mayor Carol Sparks is one of at least 30 people in hospital across NSW after yesterday’s bushfire devastated the small town west of Grafton.
It’s understood he was injured late yesterday while helping fire crews battle the out of control Kangawalla blaze that has claimed at least two lives.
#SuomiNPP captured this image today of dramatic smoke from bush fires in New South Wales, Australia. These fires are introducing large amounts of smoke particles into the atmosphere, as seen in the 2nd S-NPP image. According to @NSWRFS, 45 of the 82 fires are not yet contained. pic.twitter.com/LeRvqrv9Az
— Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) (@JPSSProgram) November 8, 2019
10.15am ‘Like nothing we’ve ever seen before’
The head of infrastructure at a northern NSW town where a person was found dead in a burnt-out car near the Kangawalla fire has described the extraordinary conditions faced by locals and firefighters there.
Keith Appleby, director of infrastructure at the Glen Innes Severn council, said news of a death in the community was “devastating”.
“We still have another two (people) at this stage unaccounted for,” Mr Appleby told the ABC, describing the local terrain as hard to access.
“There are a lot of small dwellings in this area, it’s a bit of an off-the-grid type area … so it’s a very difficult area to protect.
“I’m aware of 20 dwellings at least lost in the Kangawalla fire. The local primary school has been impacted and the main building of that school is gone.”
Today, NSW RFS Building Assessment Teams are heading to fire affected areas to assess property damage, while crews work to clear fallen trees & reopen local roads. We're trying to get people back to their properties as soon as we can, but it may take some time. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/ggEmYmzacB
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 8, 2019
Adding to the problems, a wooden bridge providing access to some residences had burnt down, isolating the area, which was bracing for worse to come as conditions deteriorated.
“At the moment it is the calm before the storm today,” Mr Appleby said.
“The weather conditions we are experiencing are like nothing we’ve seen before.”
9.45am Firefighters among the injured
Nineteen firefighters are among 35 people injured in the fires so far.
NSW RFS deputy commissioner Rob Rogers said the injuries ranged from serious smoke inhalation, to burns and heart attacks.
He told Sky News at least one fire truck had been overrun by flames.
Meanwhile, firefighters from the ACT have joined the effort, swelling the ranks of more than 1000 NSW firefighters already out in the field.
Mr Rogers has shared footage taken from inside a fire truck, showing the terrifying conditions faced by firefighters in NSW.
This shows the dangerous conditions that have confronted firefighters and residents today. This is the crew from Warringah HQ at the Hillville fire near Taree. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/lIhnF8P1Qf
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 8, 2019
8.30am First fatality confirmed
One person is dead, two others are missing and at least 100 homes have been destroyed in northern NSW as devastating bushfires wreaked havoc in the region.
The remains of a person have been located in a burnt out vehicle near the Kangawalla fire at Glen Innes, west of Grafton, the NSW Rural Fire Service has confirmed.
Firefighters have located the remains of a person in a vehicle at the Kangawalla fire, near Glen Innes. Two people remain unaccounted for after yesterday's bush fires. NSW RFS is working with @nswpolice. #nswrfs #nswfires
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 8, 2019
The news comes as firefighters in NSW and Queensland battle unprecedented conditions.
“At this stage, it appears at least 100 homes have been destroyed in yesterday’s bush fires. Three people are unaccounted for,” NSW Rural Fire Service tweeted on Saturday morning.
“More than 30 people have been injured.”
8am: Residents trapped in their homes
There were still 77 bush and grass fires burning in NSW on Saturday morning, with 42 uncontained, the fire service said.
It has urged people affected by the fires on the north coast and northern NSW areas or knowing someone who is to register with the Red Cross. Earlier, there were reports of people trapped in their homes. The RFS previously said that many people have called for help but the size and speed of the fires means they can’t get to everyone. Aerial footage showed “widespread” property damage.
Emergency warnings have been issued from the Blue Mountains to the Queensland border.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons there were preliminary reports of minor injuries to both firefighters and members of the general public.
He said they were dealing with a very dynamic, volatile and dangerous set of circumstances.
“We are in uncharted territory … we’ve never seen this many fires concurrently at emergency warning level,” he said.
At this stage, it appears at least 100 homes have been destroyed in yesterday's bush fires. Three people are unaccounted for. More than 30 people have been injured. At 6:30am there are 77 bush or grass fires with 42 uncontained. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/WtB9O671bU
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 8, 2019
Mid Coast Mayor David West, who lives in Brimbin, said that he had never seen anything like the fire in his area.
“I’m looking at a sky that’s screaming danger, that’s saying ‘get out of my way, I’m going to kill you’,” he said on Friday night.
“I know that sounds melodramatic but it’s not. This is a fire that’s devouring everything in its path.”
Mr West said he’d heard from people in the Bobin area who were suffering, as well as unconfirmed reports of property loss.
There should be a brief reprieve in conditions as temperatures cool over the weekend, but temperatures are expected to rise significantly from Monday.
Two homes have been lost in Coraki, a small historic town south of Lismore, while in Queensland fire has claimed two homes in Tewantin on the Sunshine Coast.
It’s understood as many as 20 homes may have been lost in the fire at Bobin in NSW’s north east.
Emergency services have also received panicked calls from multiple people trapped in their homes at several locations across the mid north coast of NSW.
A historic school in the township of Bobin, southwest of Port Macquarie, has also reportedly been affected by the bushfires and possibly destroyed.
Local residents sheltering in their homes in Bobin are sharing details about the catastrophic blaze on social media.
“The school is on fire, multiple homes are on fire,” one resident posted on Facebook.
“Just heard ‘major call’ for Bobin Creek School, it’s on fire now as I type this.”
“Bobin School is gone,” another posted.
It’s understood as many as 14 homes may have been lost in the fire at Bobin.
“We have reports of multiple buildings and facilities being destroyed or damaged,” a NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman said.
“We will be sending impact assessment teams out in the morning.”
Some blazes were so powerful they were creating their own weather systems.
The NSW RFS has acknowledged on Twitter that some communities are being forced to fend for themselves.
“Unfortunately, many people have called for help but due to the size and speed of the fires we couldn’t get to everyone, even by road or helicopter.”
The devastation is not confined to NSW.
6am: Cool change for Queensland as fires burn
In Queensland, cooler conditions may give firefighters a break, but winds could still make their work difficult.
More than 50 fires were burning at one point on Friday in dry, windy and dangerous fire conditions.
Police declared an emergency at Lower Beechmont in the Gold Coast hinterland early on Saturday as a bushfire bore down, threatening homes. Residents in its path were ordered to evacuate to Nerang.
An emergency was also declared in Cooroibah on the Sunshine Coast on Friday, as people there were evacuated.
Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington said the situation was “very volatile” early on Friday night.
The fast-moving fire was keeping emergency services on their toes as the winds were changing direction, he said.
“It’s going to be a long night, it’s going to be a distressing night,” Mr Wellington said. “My sympathies go out to everyone.” Cooroibah resident Denyta Eaton fears for the horses she left behind when fleeing her home with her brother and parents.
The family took their dogs but they had no time to walk the horses out. A neighbour cut the fence to prevent the horses, Cody and Effy, being trapped. “There was so much smoke we could barely breathe,” she said. People in the path of a fast-moving bushfire at Tarome in the Scenic Rim area were also advised to evacuate.
Firefighters and residents are working to protect properties north of Tuncurry from the Hillville fire. Conditions are dangerous and residents in Rainbow Flat, Diamond Beach, Possum Brush, Tallwoods Village and Hallidays Point should seek shelter. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/TrGrEeSoVm
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) November 8, 2019
“This is our third batch of fire in two months. There were significant fires that impacted upon Peregian and Marcus Beach … The extraordinary thing is that this looks like it’s going to be the new normal for Queensland,” Mr Wellington told ABC TV.
“The bush is brittle … Queensland fires are just as hostile as the fires down south now.”
An evacuation centre has been established at Noosa Leisure Centre, Wallace Drive, Noosaville.
The size of the #NSWfires seen using a mix fire temp and visual satellite imagery. https://t.co/8nFOVDtEXy pic.twitter.com/a6LgPBCXhq
— Nick A (@nick_allinson) November 8, 2019
Meanwhile, fast-moving bushfires are still bearing down on multiple communities across NSW.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said NSW is in “uncharted territory”.
“Unfortunately we are in uncharted territory – we have never seen this many fires concurrently at emergency warning level,” he said.
“It’s very dynamic, it’s very volatile and it’s a very dangerous set of circumstances that we are experiencing.
“There’s 370,000 hectares of fire right now burning in NSW, which is more than the entire area burnt last year.”
The RFS has deployed more than 1000 firefighters and 270 trucks to battle the fires, protect homes and secure evacuation routes along major roads.
Mid Coast Council mayor David West has described the bushfires he witnessed near Taree as “horrifying and horrendous beasts”.
“From my personal perspective, it’s horrifying,” Mr West said on Friday.
“I’ve never felt a sense of anguish that I do now, the fear for my community … It’s literally a wall of yellow, horrible, beastly, tormenting flames.”
A red haze has descended over much of Port Macquarie where residents were being warned to stay indoors.
“Some (fires) are creating their own weather conditions and pyrocumulous clouds are developing,” the RFS said on Friday evening.
An unprecedented 17 emergency warnings were issued at the height of the crisis, the most ever in a single day in NSW.
The out-of-control blazes stretched from just north of Forster to west of Tenterfield near the Queensland border.
A blaze burning at Hillville, south of Taree, has forced the closure of the Pacific Highway in both directions between Taree and Bulahdelah.
WA FIRE THREAT EMERGES
Extremely hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to lash parts of Western Australia on Saturday, increasing the risk of bushfires in the state. Northern and western parts of WA will cop the worst of the weather, with an extreme fire danger rating expected to be declared in three regions. The Bureau of Meteorology has tipped the west of the state, including Perth, will get northeasterly gusts, ahead of a northwesterly change in the afternoon. More moderate winds are expected in the north, with a fresh afternoon sea breeze likely to hit the Pilbara coast.
An extreme fire danger rating has been forecast for the central west, east Pilbara coast and west Pilbara coast regions. Under this rating, any fire that takes hold will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast-moving. A severe fire danger rating – one level below extreme – is forecast for the lower west district including Perth, the west Kimberley coast, Kimberley inland, east Pilbara inland, Ashburton Island, Gascoyne Inland, the North Interior and Mortlock districts.
A bushfire was burning at a small town in WA’s Wheatbelt region on Friday. An emergency warning was in place for the blaze at Regans Ford, more than 100km north of Perth, for almost three hours before the warning was reduced to a watch and act level.
A possible threat to lives and homes remained late on Friday, however, with fire still out of control and unpredictable.
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