Fires continue to burn across NSW as temperatures soar across the state

Over 100 fires are burning unabated in NSW as firefighters battle extreme fire danger conditions in the state’s south coast. Hot and windy weather is expected to sweep across the state — with authorities predicting conditions worse than those on New Year's Eve. Firefighters from Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have travelled to NSW to help fight the fires. The Rural Fire Service said it's likely that some fires will move into untouched territory. Fire fighters can expect a slight respite from the dangerous conditions when a cool change is expected to hit the south coast late on Saturday. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there is in excess of 3,000 personnel on the ground around the state — “the largest number we’ve ever had,” she said. Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has praised residents and tourists who heeded the call to evacuate the south coast. “We have seen a remarkable response from tourists particularly where we saw tens of thousands of people leave the vulnerable areas,” he said. “We have been very grateful by the response from people in these potential impact zones”.

from National | Daily Telegraph https://ift.tt/37yFQnR