UPDATE: Severe heatwave conditions continue to fuel dangerous fire threats across eastern Australia as officials warn of dry lightning igniting new blazes. As of Saturday, October 14, 2023, extreme temperatures persist in New South Wales (NSW), peaking at 37°C in Sydney and approaching the low 40s in western suburbs.
In Tasmania, firefighters are battling an out-of-control blaze at Dolphin Sands, which has already devastated more than 700 hectares of land. On Friday, the fire caused significant damage to more than a dozen homes, outbuildings, and vehicles, while two firefighters sustained injuries in the line of duty.
Commissioner Jeremy Smith of the Tasmania Fire Service confirmed, “Emergency services and contractors are currently going through areas of the fireground to make it safe and assess the damage that has been caused.” Residents in the affected areas have been urged not to return home due to ongoing dangers. The fire remains at a watch and act level as authorities deploy air and ground tankers to combat the flames.
Severe fire damage has also left dozens of residents in Dolphin Sands without power, with TasNetworks reporting outages that could last up to a week. However, hope is on the horizon as cooler temperatures and showers are expected to sweep across Tasmania on Saturday, providing much-needed relief to overwhelmed fire crews.
In NSW, total fire bans are enforced across large areas, including Sydney and the Illawarra. While an emergency warning for residents near Beni Road outside Dubbo has been downgraded, conditions remain precarious due to the heightened risk of new fires sparked by forecast thunderstorms. Meteorologist Jonathan How warns that dry lightning poses a serious threat, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Meanwhile, Victorians are experiencing milder temperatures as a cold front and thunderstorms move through, following a stretch of hot and windy conditions. Firefighters are currently engaged in containment efforts for a bushfire affecting at least three properties in Markwood, located 280 km northeast of Melbourne.
As the situation develops, authorities are closely monitoring fire conditions across the region. Residents are advised to stay informed and heed all warnings from emergency services. The coming hours are critical as fire crews work tirelessly to mitigate the ongoing threats posed by this unprecedented heatwave and bushfire crisis.
