Australia is in the grips of a terrifying bushfire emergency this Christmas week as catastrophic blazes tear through four states, forcing mass evacuations and threatening lives and homes. Firefighters are struggling to contain the ferocious infernos as extreme weather conditions fan the flames.
Millions on Alert as Fire Danger Soars
Authorities have warned millions of residents and holiday-makers across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia to brace for the worst as bushfires intensify in the lead-up to Christmas. Popular tourist destinations are under threat as the mercury rises and scorching winds whip up fire fronts.
“We are facing some of the most severe and challenging bushfire conditions we’ve ever seen,” warned NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. “The magnitude of the risk cannot be overstated.”
NSW and Sydney Face “Catastrophic” Threat
NSW is currently at the epicenter of the bushfire crisis, with Sydney bracing for “catastrophic” fire danger on Monday – the highest possible rating. It will be the second time this fire season that the city has faced such extreme conditions.
“Catastrophic is as bad as it gets. Homes are not designed to withstand catastrophic conditions,” said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Total fire bans are in place for the greater Sydney region, the Hunter and northern NSW as temperatures soar into the 40s amid gusty winds. Residents have been warned to prepare to evacuate at short notice.
Massive “Megafire” Burns Out of Control in Victoria
In Victoria, a “megafire” burning through the iconic Grampians National Park doubled in size over the weekend to more than 36,000 hectares – almost a fifth of the park.
More than 300 firefighters are battling the massive blaze, which has sent smoke billowing across the state and sparked evacuation warnings for several towns. The steep, rugged terrain is making it extremely difficult to control the fire.
“As we look toward Boxing Day, firefighters are currently conducting back-burning operations to protect nearby towns and establish fire breaks,” said Country Fire Authority Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook.
Tourism providers in Victoria’s west are increasingly anxious as the bushfire threat escalates right on their doorstep at the busiest time of year. Popular holiday spots remain under threat as the forecast worsens.
South Australia and WA Also on High Alert
South Australian authorities are bracing for catastrophic fire conditions on Boxing Day, particularly in regional areas of the state. Extreme danger is also forecast for parts of Western Australia.
WA firefighters managed to contain a fast-moving blaze threatening lives and homes on the outskirts of Perth on Sunday. However, dangerous fire weather is set to continue.
Australia’s New Bushfire Reality
Experts say Australia is facing a new reality of devastating “megafires” and increasingly long and intense fire seasons as climate change drives up temperatures and reduces rainfall.
“The combination of very hot, dry and windy weather will create extremely dangerous conditions where a fire that starts and takes hold will move very fast and be uncontrollable,” warned Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Diana Eadie.
With much of the country in the grips of severe drought, bushfires are erupting earlier and more frequently. This year’s fire season started in winter in many areas that usually don’t see major bushfires until summer.
- Over 1000 homes lost so far this fire season
- 6 lives claimed by bushfires since October
- Over 3 million hectares burned – an area bigger than Belgium
As Australians try to enjoy a summer break, many will be nervously watching the skies and checking emergency warnings. For those on the firefront, it will be a Christmas marred by the menacing glow of flames on the horizon.
Australia’s silent prayer this festive season is for relief from the relentless firestorms. But with extreme conditions set to continue, the bushfire threat shows no sign of easing any time soon. In a country besieged by flames, Christmas cheer has been replaced by Christmas fear.
