Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Firefighters tackle bushfires in Australia. Shutterstock/Mari_May

Three dead and hundreds of homes destroyed in Australia as 'ferocious fires' continue to burn

Over 1,000 firefighters are working round the clock to tackle the huge blazes.

BUSHFIRES IN EASTERN Australia have killed at least three people and forced thousands from their homes, with the death toll expected to rise as firefighters struggle towards hard-to-reach communities.

In the normally picturesque coastal town of Forster – one among dozens hit along the eastern seaboard – vast plumes of smoke shot out from multiple blazes as water bombers swooped in overhead.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that, if needed, the military could be called on to help some 1,300 firefighters who are tackling around 100 separate blazes.

Several people are still unaccounted for and 30 more have been injured – mostly firefighters working in smoky, smouldering scrubland and blazing forests of towering eucalyptus.

“My only thoughts today are with those who have lost their lives and their families,” Morrison said, as hundreds of civilians also volunteered to help their hard-hit neighbours.

A body was found in a burnt-out building near the east-coast town of Taree, police said, while another victim was found in a car and a woman died despite medics trying for several hours to save her.

As hot and windy weather eased slightly in the last 24 hours, the number of most serious fires fell to just a handful from an unprecedented 17 yesterday.

But within an area spanning almost 1,000 kilometres, schools were burned and at least 150 homes were destroyed, while authorities were forced to evacuate detention centres and old people’s homes.

It was a narrow escape for Don Russell, with the fire coming within meters of his home in Taree.

“They’ve done a top job them fellas,” Russell said after a crew of six firefighters brought the blaze under control.

His next-door neighbours were not so lucky, however – their home went up in flames.

“It used to be God’s country, but it ain’t any more,” said another neighbour, 72-year-old Dave Scott.

New South Wales’s rural fire service said an emergency warning was in place for four fires among the dozens raging across the state.

Bushfires are common in Australia and a vast corps of firefighters had already been tackling sporadic blazes for months in the lead-up to the southern hemisphere summer.

But this was a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season – with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions.

“We’re experiencing tinderbox-like conditions across much of the state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days,” said Queensland’s acting fire commissioner Mike Wassing.

Queensland has declared a “fire emergency”  and banned the lighting of all outdoor fires.

Meanwhile New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that next week’s weather forecast “could mean we’re not through the worst of it”.

Morrison, whose government has played down the threat of climate change, sought to deflect questions about what impact it may have had.

“Australia has been battling ferocious fires for as long as Australia has been a nation, and well before. And we will continue to do so,” he said.

Local radio stopped normal programming and provided instructions about how to try to survive fires if trapped at home or in a vehicle.

Across the central coast, smoke billowed high into the sky and residents posted images online of tangerine skies and storeys-high trees ablaze.

Authorities said some of the fires were creating their own weather conditions – pyrocumulus clouds that enveloped entire towns.

Despite easing conditions, a prolonged drought and high aridity levels will continue to make circumstances combustible.

Earlier this month, some of the same fires cloaked Sydney in hazardous smoke for days. On Saturday it was Brisbane’s turn, with the fires enveloping the city centre in a veil of acrid fog.

Swathes of Australia have gone months without adequate rainfall, forcing farmers to truck in water, sell off livestock or leave their land to lie fallow.

Jim McLennan of La Trobe University said the bushfires were “unprecedented”, coming so early in the season and in areas that usually have moist soils and vegetation.

“However, the fire situation is consistent with our new world of bushfire threat associated with climate change”.

© AFP 2019

Author
View 24 comments
Close
24 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Carey
    Favourite Kevin Carey
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:30 PM

    Really don’t understand the constant knocking of Robbie Keane. An Irish legend. His International scoring record won’t be touched for a long time. A great servant to Irish football.

    524
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ken
    Favourite ken
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:43 PM

    Why is Keane a Legend????your probably the only one who thinks that.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sparky
    Favourite sparky
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:48 PM

    Ken..your hot water bottle is ready when you’re finished your hot chocolate..I’ve left your pjs at the bottom of your bed.sweet dreams and hope your looking forward to seeing zootopia tommmmorowwww.

    223
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Carey
    Favourite Kevin Carey
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:53 PM

    Clearly not by the thumbs. 67 international goals. Incredible goal scorer. Do your homework.

    188
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rusty Nuts
    Favourite Rusty Nuts
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 11:18 PM

    Nah, I do and a lot more I would imagine. Great goal scoring record for his country.

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sinead Hanley
    Favourite Sinead Hanley
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 12:39 AM

    Good man robbie. He is forever surprising kids. Remember the little guy on the late late toy show?? Ah sweet

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Collins
    Favourite Tom Collins
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 12:45 AM

    Robbie Keane is an Irish Legend. Ray Houghton is a god

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Ward
    Favourite John Ward
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 2:30 AM

    @ken: Obviously beyond your ken!

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Corcoran
    Favourite Andrew Corcoran
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:02 PM

    Another dream come true for Robbie who said he’s always wanted to surprise a kid on the Ellen de Generis show.

    140
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aimoo
    Favourite Aimoo
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:20 PM

    Very original.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TellingItAsItIs
    Favourite TellingItAsItIs
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:22 PM

    Did he spit or trip as he walked out?

    14
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Corcoran
    Favourite Andrew Corcoran
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:36 PM

    Neither, he did his little tumble and finger guns!

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donnacha Bhoicaire
    Favourite Donnacha Bhoicaire
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:50 PM

    Can’t knock his commitment and his goal scoring record. Wonder do the same idiots above remember 2002 World Cup , Quinn’s header on and Robbies half volley to get a late goal against the Germans.

    117
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute michael
    Favourite michael
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 7:59 AM

    My favourite ever moment while watching Ireland play :)

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sparky
    Favourite sparky
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:07 PM

    I just hope Robbie turns up at the Euros..rolls back the years and surprises me..c’mon keaneo.

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Rice
    Favourite Peter Rice
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 1:05 AM

    If you thought Irish football was bad over the last 15 just try and imagine how bad it would be without Robbie.He’s bailed are arses out more times than I can remember.Absolutely an Irish legend.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jenni
    Favourite jenni
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:10 PM

    That was lovely.

    54
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tweety McTweeter
    Favourite Tweety McTweeter
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:26 PM

    The kids name is Kai Langer. I’m sure there’s a joke somewhere there but I’m far too classy to make it.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Níamh Hurleÿ
    Favourite Níamh Hurleÿ
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:32 PM

    Aww that’s lovely

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Norton
    Favourite Patrick Norton
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 11:40 PM

    It has langer 11 on the back of his shirt ha!

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Assel Dannourah
    Favourite Assel Dannourah
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 9:56 PM

    they say you should never meet your hereos

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louis Jacob
    Favourite Louis Jacob
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:33 PM

    Won’t be touched ever…

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Welshhibby
    Favourite Welshhibby
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:05 PM

    I’m surprised the kid knew who he was.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phil O' Meara
    Favourite Phil O' Meara
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:08 PM

    Robbie “unidentified fan” Keane.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Owen Slattery
    Favourite Owen Slattery
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 1:20 AM

    LA Galaxy captain, voted MLS Player of the Year, finished runner up prior to that, ~100 goals in 150 games. If the kid was to know anybody in the MLS, it would be Keane.

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Kenny
    Favourite Michael Kenny
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:43 PM

    One for everybody in the audience!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cal McLaughlin
    Favourite Cal McLaughlin
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:18 PM

    She looks a bit butch.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sparky
    Favourite sparky
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:24 PM

    Cal..you trying to stir again.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Canning
    Favourite Tony Canning
    Report
    May 5th 2016, 10:49 PM

    Yup, five it a few posts and he’ll be all westboro Baptist….

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Celtic_Horizon
    Favourite Celtic_Horizon
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 7:25 AM

    Legend

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Debi Nikita
    Favourite Debi Nikita
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 7:11 AM

    What a cute kid.. Loved the way he closed his eyes as he did that song. He was super chuffed that he got to meet his hero’s all over again. How cool was that! Great show..

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diane Cauldwell
    Favourite Diane Cauldwell
    Report
    May 6th 2016, 10:11 AM

    Kai Langer brilliant!!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Helena Reed
    Favourite Helena Reed
    Report
    May 7th 2016, 3:16 AM

    Real spell caster revives !
    Life without my husband was a real mess for me and my children,What on Earth will i do to thank Dr BALOGUN for his help? he is wonderful and has a good heart. He is like a God on Earth and i really do not know what to do to thank him for helping me regain my husbands love back with his spell. months ago my husband told me it was over between us and he let me and our children without saying a word, i did all i could to stop him because his mind was made up. few months later my friend told me how DR BALOGUN helped her with his spell,I love my husband so much that i would give up every thing for him, so i contacted Dr BALOGUN to also help me with his spell and he responded saying that he will help me with his spell that I should clam down and i will see result within 12 to 16 hours Today, i am so glad that everything happened just as Dr BALOGUN said, my husband will came back to me within 12 to 16 hours on his knees begging me to forgive him and I accepted him back into my life. Do you need help are you worried about your ex husband or your boyfriend left you for another,here is Dr BALOGUN he is a real and genuine spell caster contact him for help via email:
    balogunsolutiontemple@gmail.com

    REGARD FROM,
    Dr BALOGUN

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds