16 Oct 2023 | 08:41 AM UTC
Australia: Emergency crews responding to multiple bushfires across New South Wales as of Oct. 16
Emergency crews responding to multiple bushfires across New South Wales, Australia, as of Oct. 16. Evacuations and road closures ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain several bushfires burning across New South Wales as of Oct. 16. Windy and dry conditions are ongoing across much of the state and authorities have reported 77 active fires across the state as of Oct. 16. Three fires are at emergency warning level; one in Willi Willi National Park and Boonanghi Nature Reserve in Kempsey Local Government Area (LGA), one near Horshoe Creek Road in Kyogle LGA, and one in Cope on Mid-Western LGA. Residents in the emergency warning areas are being advised to evacuate, unless it is too late to do so, in which case they should shelter in a solid structure. Dozens of other watch and act and advice warnings have been issued for other fires across NSW; full details on warnings. evacuations, and advice can be found here.
Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fires; further hot and dry conditions and strong winds may hamper firefighting efforts and additional fire growth is likely. As of Oct. 16, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a fire weather warning for Far North Coast, Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, New England, Northern Slopes, and Northwestern forecast districts. Fires could lead to further evacuations, road closures, and general ground travel and business disruptions.
The bushfires continue to cause some road closures and localized transport disruptions in the affected areas. Depending on the progression of the bushfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the bushfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Power outages are possible if fires damage power infrastructure. Authorities may cut off power to parts of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.
Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
