Australia: Bush fire warnings in New South Wales downgraded Sep. 10

Event

Containment efforts in New South Wales are ongoing as of Wednesday, September 11, to prevent the spread of three large bush fire in the state. Emergency warnings were issued for Bees Nest (Armidale) and Drake (Tenterfield) on Tuesday, September 10, after fires broke through containment lines. Firefighters were able to reduce the immediate threat to lives and property by Tuesday evening (local time), when the fires were downgraded to advice level. However, both blazes remain out-of-control and will likely take weeks to fully contain. The Bees Nest fire has burned more than 66,500 hectares (164,325 acres) of land while the Drake fire has affected over 43,400 hectares (107,243 acres). Another bush fire near Shark Creek (Clarence Valley) was also downgraded from emergency to advice level on Tuesday as weather conditions improved in the region. The Clarence Valley fire has burned over 8530 hectares (21,100 acres) of land in the Yuraygir National Park and Shark Creek but is now under control.

Winds and temperatures are forecast to rise starting on Friday, September 13, which may increase fire danger in the coming days. Alert levels may be raised in the coming days, which could result in evacuations. Up-to-date information on the wildfires can be found on the New South Wales Rural Fire Service website.

Advice

Individuals in New South Wales are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near bush fires, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation.