Australia Braces for Extreme Wildfires Worse Than Black Saturday Firestorm
Authorities have warned Australians of extreme fire weather in the coming days as the heat wave continues to scorch some parts of the country. The record-breaking temperatures prompt fears of bigger wildfires worse than 2009's Black Saturday which claimed the lives of 173 people.
It was in Victoria where the firestorm had burned entire villages in 2009 and devastated 2,000 homes. The current heat wave has the potential to reportedly cause extreme fire weather.
Acting State Premier Peter Ryan remarked that the next four days will be crucial since the heat wave could trigger fires like those of Black Saturday.
Thousands of firefighters were on alert with 1,290 brigades ready for emergencies. Mr Ryan said the highest risk of fire danger is expected on Jan. 17 with strong winds blowing. The state premier assured the public that the government is ready.
Australians in Victoria and South Australia are advised to be ready within the week. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted "severe to extreme heat wave conditions" with consecutive days of over 40 degrees Celsius.
The brutal heat wave in Australia shows no sign of letting up as the Australian Bureau of Meteorology predicts temperatures to soar over 40 degrees Celsius starting Jan. 14. According to the weather bureau, Melbourne and most of Victoria will experience extreme heat conditions.
Dozens of homes were destroyed in Western Australia as firefighters struggled to control the blaze that quickly spread. Last Jan. 12, authorities issued an emergency warning and urged residents to prepare for bushfires in the suburbs of Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena.
Local reports said the fire had flames reaching 65 feet or 20 metres high. According to the Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services, it will be too late for residents to get out of their homes. People in affected areas were urged to "take shelter" and prepare to protect their property if necessary.
Australia's weather bureau has recorded a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius in the sparsely populated Pilbara region on Jan 9. According to historical records, the highest recorded temperature in Australia was set in 1960 with 50.7C in Oodnadatta in South Australia.
