Australia: Emergency crews responding to multiple bushfires across New South Wales as of Oct. 31

Emergency crews are working to contain several bushfires burning across New South Wales as of Oct. 31. Windy and dry conditions are ongoing across much of the state and authorities have reported 85 active fires across NSW as of Oct. 31. Emergency warnings are currently in place for six fires in parts of northeastern NSW; five in Tenterfield Local Government Area (LGA) and one in Clarence Valley LGA. Residents in the emergency warning areas are being advised to seek shelter in a solid structure as it is too late to leave. 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; a change in wind direction from late Oct. 31 may help to moderate the fire threat. As of Oct. 31, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a fire weather warning for extreme fire danger in Greater Sydney Region, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, New England, Northern Slopes, and North Western 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 some 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).