Calls for Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-scott-morrison-hits-out-at-reckless-calls-to-cut-coal-industry-269654">Scott Morrison</a> to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.

Voters have taken to social media calling for leadership at a time of crisis, and along with some of the country's political editors, have criticised Morrison's refusal to take tougher action on climate change.

Similar to the criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-moved-to-freeze-ukraine-aid-90-minutes-after-trump-phone-call-report-269643">US&nbsp;President Donald</a> Trump by American comedians, Morrison has been ridiculed on social media, portrayed as a deformed creature sitting in a burnt out forest on Christmas Day patting a lump of coal he calls "precious" to a flying superhero called "Bullshit Man".

On Twitter on Tuesday, #NotMyPrimeMinister, #MorrisonMustGo and #ScoMoResign were the top trending topics in Australia after a viral video showed a volunteer firefighter, Jacqui, shaking hands with Morrison as she said "not my prime minister".

"Jacquie is all of us," Twitter user Yabba said. Another user @bugwannostra tweeted "she's only saying what more than 12 million think..."

The tweet prompted Morrison to issue a clarification on Tuesday. "Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she's British, Boris Johnson is," he tweeted.

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Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she’s British, Boris Johnson is. But with local MP Andrew Gee, we made a decent pitch for her to become an Aussie yesterday. She &amp; the other RFS volunteers have been doing an incredible job battling these blazes. <a href="https://t.co/28z3c4bTMG">pic.twitter.com/28z3c4bTMG</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1209245828230959106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">Devastating bushfires</a> have burnt more than 4 million hectares&nbsp;of land across five states and killed nine people since September.

Uncontrolled fires are still burning in South Australia, after ripping through the state's prominent wine region, and around the country's largest city Sydney.

Hazardous smoke blanketed Sydney for days this month, heightening public anger and raising political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change.

Also watch:&nbsp;Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia

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When it was revealed Morrison and his family had slipped away to Hawaii for a holiday voters became angry.

On his return Morrison further inflamed his political critics by saying there would be no change to climate policy and denied suggestions of a split within his government after his deputy agreed more action was needed.

He also ruled out holding a summit with the nation's fire chiefs and compensation for thousands of volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for months.

A series of photo opportunities of Morrison with firefighters and animals affected by the fires was ridiculed on social media on Tuesday.

Morrison stunned the nation in May by winning an election, securing a parliamentary majority, but his political capital six months later is now being questioned.

"He has lost any personal link to that deep, crucial, reservoir of gravitas we confer, automatically, on our PMs simply because of their position," The Canberra Times newspaper columnist Nicholas Stuart wrote on Tuesday.

But some analysts say it is too early to write Morrison's political epitaph, but concede Australia's summer bushfires may eventually see a change in climate policy.

In Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, climate and energy policy have infused politics for a decade, helping to bring down both liberal and conservative lawmakers.

Australia is one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita due to coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics say Morrison is paying lip service to the commitment.

"These bushfires could potentially lead to a shift in public opinion and public concern on climate change that we have not seen in Australia so far," said Haydon Manning, professor at the college of business, government and law at Flinders University.

Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.

Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism. Voters have taken to social media calling for leadership at a time of crisis, and along with some of the country's political editors, have criticised Morrison's refusal to take tougher action on climate change. Similar to the criticism of US President Donald Trump by American comedians, Morrison has been ridiculed on social media, portrayed as a deformed creature sitting in a burnt out forest on Christmas Day patting a lump of coal he calls "precious" to a flying superhero called "Bullshit Man". On Twitter on Tuesday, #NotMyPrimeMinister, #MorrisonMustGo and #ScoMoResign were the top trending topics in Australia after a viral video showed a volunteer firefighter, Jacqui, shaking hands with Morrison as she said "not my prime minister". "Jacquie is all of us," Twitter user Yabba said. Another user @bugwannostra tweeted "she's only saying what more than 12 million think..." The tweet prompted Morrison to issue a clarification on Tuesday. "Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she's British, Boris Johnson is," he tweeted. Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she’s British, Boris Johnson is. But with local MP Andrew Gee, we made a decent pitch for her to become an Aussie yesterday. She & the other RFS volunteers have been doing an incredible job battling these blazes. pic.twitter.com/28z3c4bTMG — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) December 23, 2019 × Devastating bushfires have burnt more than 4 million hectares of land across five states and killed nine people since September. Uncontrolled fires are still burning in South Australia, after ripping through the state's prominent wine region, and around the country's largest city Sydney. Hazardous smoke blanketed Sydney for days this month, heightening public anger and raising political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change. Also watch: Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia × When it was revealed Morrison and his family had slipped away to Hawaii for a holiday voters became angry. On his return Morrison further inflamed his political critics by saying there would be no change to climate policy and denied suggestions of a split within his government after his deputy agreed more action was needed. He also ruled out holding a summit with the nation's fire chiefs and compensation for thousands of volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for months. A series of photo opportunities of Morrison with firefighters and animals affected by the fires was ridiculed on social media on Tuesday. Morrison stunned the nation in May by winning an election, securing a parliamentary majority, but his political capital six months later is now being questioned. "He has lost any personal link to that deep, crucial, reservoir of gravitas we confer, automatically, on our PMs simply because of their position," The Canberra Times newspaper columnist Nicholas Stuart wrote on Tuesday. But some analysts say it is too early to write Morrison's political epitaph, but concede Australia's summer bushfires may eventually see a change in climate policy. In Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, climate and energy policy have infused politics for a decade, helping to bring down both liberal and conservative lawmakers. Australia is one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita due to coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics say Morrison is paying lip service to the commitment. "These bushfires could potentially lead to a shift in public opinion and public concern on climate change that we have not seen in Australia so far," said Haydon Manning, professor at the college of business, government and law at Flinders University.

Australian PM Scott Morrison slammed on social media over Hawaii visit

Catastrophic conditions fuelled massive bushfires across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-emergency-declared-in-australia-after-unprecedented-bushfires-269043">Australia's New South Wales </a>state on Saturday, with three blazes around Sydney burning at emergency level, while in South Australia one person was found dead in a fire zone.

Some major roads outside Sydney were closed and authorities asked people to delay travel, at the start of what is normally a busy Christmas holiday period, warning of the unpredictability of the fires as winds of up to 70 kph (44 mph) were set to fan the flames as temperatures soared above 40C (104F).

The heat and strong winds created "catastrophic fire conditions", the head of fire services in rural areas of NSW state told journalists.

"They are the very worst of conditions," said NSW Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. "Given we have a landscape with so much active fire burning, you have a recipe for very serious concern and a very dangerous day."

Close to 100 fires were burning across NSW on Saturday afternoon - of which six were characterised as emergency level.

Just days out from Christmas, local police warned people to avoid travelling throughout the day as roads would likely close and temperatures would soar.

"Today is not the day to start your holiday," a NSW police spokeswomen said.

Close to 10,000 emergency personnel would be working across NSW on Saturday. The state's Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said it was probably the largest emergency deployment ever seen in NSW.

Wind change expected

A southerly wind change is expected late on Saturday afternoon. It is forecast to bring winds of up to 90 kph (56 mph), which Fitzsimmons said would initially worsen fire conditions before leading to a dramatic drop in temperatures.

The death of two firefighters on Thursday night when their fire truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled through the front line of a fire brought the wildfires death toll in New South Wales to eight since the start of October.

Shortly after the two deaths were announced, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-regret-any-offence-caused-to-australians-pm-scott-morrison-apologises-for-hawaii-vacation-amid-bushfire-crisis-269362">Prime Minister Scott Morrison </a>issued a statement saying he would return as soon as possible from a family holiday in Hawaii, a trip that had drawn sharp criticism as the wildfires crisis deepened.

South Australia, Victoria fires

In South Australia, authorities said one person had been found dead, another was critically injured and 15 homes had been destroyed by a fire in the Adelaide Hills, just 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of the state capital of Adelaide.

The death followed another fatality in South Australia on Friday, the result of a car crash which sparked a fire.

Authorities said fires had burnt through some 40,000 hectares in the state and 23 firefighters suffered injuries on Friday.

In Victoria, authorities said 142 fires had started in the state since Friday, with two burning at an emergency level on Saturday afternoon.

Australia has been fighting wildfires for weeks, with blazes destroying more than 700 homes and nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of bushland.

Catastrophic conditions fuelled massive bushfires across Australia's New South Wales state on Saturday, with three blazes around Sydney burning at emergency level, while in South Australia one person was found dead in a fire zone.

Catastrophic conditions fuelled massive bushfires across Australia's New South Wales state on Saturday, with three blazes around Sydney burning at emergency level, while in South Australia one person was found dead in a fire zone. Some major roads outside Sydney were closed and authorities asked people to delay travel, at the start of what is normally a busy Christmas holiday period, warning of the unpredictability of the fires as winds of up to 70 kph (44 mph) were set to fan the flames as temperatures soared above 40C (104F). The heat and strong winds created "catastrophic fire conditions", the head of fire services in rural areas of NSW state told journalists. "They are the very worst of conditions," said NSW Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. "Given we have a landscape with so much active fire burning, you have a recipe for very serious concern and a very dangerous day." Close to 100 fires were burning across NSW on Saturday afternoon - of which six were characterised as emergency level. Just days out from Christmas, local police warned people to avoid travelling throughout the day as roads would likely close and temperatures would soar. "Today is not the day to start your holiday," a NSW police spokeswomen said. Close to 10,000 emergency personnel would be working across NSW on Saturday. The state's Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said it was probably the largest emergency deployment ever seen in NSW. Wind change expected A southerly wind change is expected late on Saturday afternoon. It is forecast to bring winds of up to 90 kph (56 mph), which Fitzsimmons said would initially worsen fire conditions before leading to a dramatic drop in temperatures. The death of two firefighters on Thursday night when their fire truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled through the front line of a fire brought the wildfires death toll in New South Wales to eight since the start of October. Shortly after the two deaths were announced, Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a statement saying he would return as soon as possible from a family holiday in Hawaii, a trip that had drawn sharp criticism as the wildfires crisis deepened. South Australia, Victoria fires In South Australia, authorities said one person had been found dead, another was critically injured and 15 homes had been destroyed by a fire in the Adelaide Hills, just 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of the state capital of Adelaide. The death followed another fatality in South Australia on Friday, the result of a car crash which sparked a fire. Authorities said fires had burnt through some 40,000 hectares in the state and 23 firefighters suffered injuries on Friday. In Victoria, authorities said 142 fires had started in the state since Friday, with two burning at an emergency level on Saturday afternoon. Australia has been fighting wildfires for weeks, with blazes destroying more than 700 homes and nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of bushland.

Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia

Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-scott-morrison-to-visit-india-in-january-269023">Scott Morrison</a> issued a rare public apology as he cut short a Hawaiian vacation on Friday after two volunteer firefighters were killed battling blazes that are ravaging much of the country's east coast.

Australia has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-emergency-declared-in-australia-after-unprecedented-bushfires-269043">fighting wildfires</a> in the east for weeks, with blazes destroying more than 700 homes and nearly 3 million acres of bushland.

The death of the two firefighters overnight when their fire truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled through the front line of fire brought the death toll since the start of October to eight.

"This is an absolutely devastating event in what has already been an incredibly difficult day and fire season," the New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Service said in a statement.

Shortly after the pair's deaths were announced, Morrison issued a statement saying he would return as soon as possible from a family holiday in Hawaii, a trip that has drawn sharp criticism in recent days as the wildfires crisis deepened.

Also Watch:&nbsp;A State Of Emergency Has Been Declared In NSW

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Morrison's conservative Liberal-National coalition government has been under sustained pressure to defend its climate change policies as it has downplayed links to the unprecedented early arrival and severity of this year's bushfire season.

"I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time," Morrison said in the statement.

Morrison later told 2GB radio that the trip had been planned as a surprise to his young daughters to replace leave originally scheduled for January that he had cancelled because of official trips to Japan and India.

Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside his Sydney residence on Thursday. One protestor, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, carried a sign reading, "ScoMo, where the bloody hell are you?" referencing the leader's nickname and a well-known international advertisement for Tourism Australia.

Australia is one of the world’s largest carbon emitters per capita because of its reliance on coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26 per cent&nbsp;from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics accuse Morrison of paying lip service to that commitment.

In June, the government approved the construction of a new coal mine in Queensland state by India's Adani Enterprises that is expected to produce 8 million to 10 million tonnes of thermal coal a year.

As Morrison was apologising on the radio on Friday morning, opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese was serving breakfast to firefighters near the front line of a fire in rural Bilpin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ring-of-fire-australian-declares-state-emergency-as-wildfires-approach-sydney-269117">In Pictures:&nbsp;Ring of fire: Australian state declares emergency as wildfires approach Sydney</a>

The RFS named the dead volunteer firefighters as Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32 - both fathers to 19-month- old children. Three other firefighters were injured in the truck crash.

Earlier on Thursday, two male firefighters were airlifted to hospital with burns to their faces, arms and legs, while a female colleague was taken by ambulance to hospital after they were engulfed by flames.

&nbsp;

Christmas travel warning&nbsp;

The fires have resulted in days of heavy pollution in Sydney, pushing air quality to unprecedented hazardous levels and resulting in viral images of heavy smoke haze over the usually sparkling harbour and landmarks like the Opera House.

The fires are being spurred this week, by record temperatures across the country which led New South Wales, the most populous state with 7 million people, to declare a seven-day state of emergency.

Thursday's declaration gave firefighters broad powers to control government resources, force evacuations, closed roads and shut down utilities.

Temperatures eased on Friday but were expected to return to near-record highs on Saturday, which firefighters fear will stoke some of them around 100 fires burning across the state.

Days out from Christmas, a time when many Australians head to the coast for the holidays, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged people to reconsider travel plans.

"What is most important for us is that everyone is safe and if that means changing your plans for Christmas, we ask you do to that," Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a rare public apology as he cut short a Hawaiian vacation on Friday after two volunteer firefighters were killed battling blazes that are ravaging much of the country's east coast.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a rare public apology as he cut short a Hawaiian vacation on Friday after two volunteer firefighters were killed battling blazes that are ravaging much of the country's east coast. Australia has been fighting wildfires in the east for weeks, with blazes destroying more than 700 homes and nearly 3 million acres of bushland. The death of the two firefighters overnight when their fire truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled through the front line of fire brought the death toll since the start of October to eight. "This is an absolutely devastating event in what has already been an incredibly difficult day and fire season," the New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Service said in a statement. Shortly after the pair's deaths were announced, Morrison issued a statement saying he would return as soon as possible from a family holiday in Hawaii, a trip that has drawn sharp criticism in recent days as the wildfires crisis deepened. Also Watch: A State Of Emergency Has Been Declared In NSW × Morrison's conservative Liberal-National coalition government has been under sustained pressure to defend its climate change policies as it has downplayed links to the unprecedented early arrival and severity of this year's bushfire season. "I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time," Morrison said in the statement. Morrison later told 2GB radio that the trip had been planned as a surprise to his young daughters to replace leave originally scheduled for January that he had cancelled because of official trips to Japan and India. Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside his Sydney residence on Thursday. One protestor, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, carried a sign reading, "ScoMo, where the bloody hell are you?" referencing the leader's nickname and a well-known international advertisement for Tourism Australia. Australia is one of the world’s largest carbon emitters per capita because of its reliance on coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics accuse Morrison of paying lip service to that commitment. In June, the government approved the construction of a new coal mine in Queensland state by India's Adani Enterprises that is expected to produce 8 million to 10 million tonnes of thermal coal a year. As Morrison was apologising on the radio on Friday morning, opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese was serving breakfast to firefighters near the front line of a fire in rural Bilpin. In Pictures: Ring of fire: Australian state declares emergency as wildfires approach Sydney The RFS named the dead volunteer firefighters as Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32 - both fathers to 19-month- old children. Three other firefighters were injured in the truck crash. Earlier on Thursday, two male firefighters were airlifted to hospital with burns to their faces, arms and legs, while a female colleague was taken by ambulance to hospital after they were engulfed by flames. Christmas travel warning The fires have resulted in days of heavy pollution in Sydney, pushing air quality to unprecedented hazardous levels and resulting in viral images of heavy smoke haze over the usually sparkling harbour and landmarks like the Opera House. The fires are being spurred this week, by record temperatures across the country which led New South Wales, the most populous state with 7 million people, to declare a seven-day state of emergency. Thursday's declaration gave firefighters broad powers to control government resources, force evacuations, closed roads and shut down utilities. Temperatures eased on Friday but were expected to return to near-record highs on Saturday, which firefighters fear will stoke some of them around 100 fires burning across the state. Days out from Christmas, a time when many Australians head to the coast for the holidays, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged people to reconsider travel plans. "What is most important for us is that everyone is safe and if that means changing your plans for Christmas, we ask you do to that," Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Australian leader curtails holiday as firefighters killed in huge blazes

&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-leader-curtails-holiday-as-firefighters-killed-in-huge-blazes-269260">Scott Morrison</a> on Friday issued a public apology for taking Christmas vacation while the country battles with raging bushfire.

"I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time," Morrison said in the statement. Morrison also said that he would return as soon as possible from Hawaii vacation.

Anger over bushfire intensified in Australia after two firefighters died while battling blazes that are ravaging much of the country's east coast.

On Thursday, hundreds of protesters gathered outside Morrison's Sydney residence and criticised the leader for going to Hawaii while the country is battling the unprecedented wildfires.

Australia has been fighting wildfires in the east for weeks, with blazes destroying more than 700 homes and nearly 3 million acres of bushland.

The fires have resulted in days of heavy pollution in Sydney, pushing air quality to unprecedented hazardous levels and resulting in viral images of heavy smoke haze over the usually sparkling harbour and landmarks like the Opera House.

The fires are being spurred this week, by record temperatures across the country which led New South Wales, the most populous state with 7 million people, to declare a seven-day state of emergency.

Morrison's conservative Liberal-National coalition government has been under sustained pressure to defend its climate change policies as it has downplayed links to the unprecedented early arrival and severity of this year's bushfire season.

Morrison later told 2GB radio that the trip had been planned as a surprise to his young daughters to replace leave originally scheduled for January that he had cancelled because of official trips to Japan and India.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday issued a public apology for taking Christmas vacation while the country battles with raging bushfire. "I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time," Morrison said in the statement.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday issued a public apology for taking Christmas vacation while the country battles with raging bushfire. "I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time," Morrison said in the statement. Morrison also said that he would return as soon as possible from Hawaii vacation. Anger over bushfire intensified in Australia after two firefighters died while battling blazes that are ravaging much of the country's east coast. On Thursday, hundreds of protesters gathered outside Morrison's Sydney residence and criticised the leader for going to Hawaii while the country is battling the unprecedented wildfires. Australia has been fighting wildfires in the east for weeks, with blazes destroying more than 700 homes and nearly 3 million acres of bushland. The fires have resulted in days of heavy pollution in Sydney, pushing air quality to unprecedented hazardous levels and resulting in viral images of heavy smoke haze over the usually sparkling harbour and landmarks like the Opera House. The fires are being spurred this week, by record temperatures across the country which led New South Wales, the most populous state with 7 million people, to declare a seven-day state of emergency. Morrison's conservative Liberal-National coalition government has been under sustained pressure to defend its climate change policies as it has downplayed links to the unprecedented early arrival and severity of this year's bushfire season. Morrison later told 2GB radio that the trip had been planned as a surprise to his young daughters to replace leave originally scheduled for January that he had cancelled because of official trips to Japan and India. (With inputs from agencies)

Deeply regret any offence caused to Australians: PM Morrison apologises for Hawaii vacation amid bushfire crisis

Authorities in New South Wales state have declared a seven-day state of emergency following unprecedented bushfires raging across the region. Some 100 fires have been burning for weeks in the state, with half of those uncontained, including a "mega-blaze" ringing Sydney, covering Australia's biggest city in a haze of toxic smoke, reported news agency AFP.

Authorities in New South Wales state have declared a seven-day state of emergency following unprecedented bushfires raging across the region. Some 100 fires have been burning for weeks in the state, with half of those uncontained, including a "mega-blaze" ringing Sydney, covering Australia's biggest city in a haze of toxic smoke, reported news agency AFP. The report quoting NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state of emergency, the second declared in the state since an early, drought-fueled bushfire season began in September, was due to "catastrophic weather conditions". The country experienced its hottest day on record Tuesday, with the average nationwide temperatures reaching 40.9 degrees Celsius (105.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which is expected to be surpassed as an intensifying heat wave spreads across the east. Temperatures are expected to peak at 41 degrees Celsius in central Sydney and 45 degrees Celsius in the western suburbs on Thursday, while turbulent winds of up to 100 kilometres (60 miles) in the afternoon expected to fan bushfires burning ever-closer to the city. (With inputs from AFP)

Australia: State of emergency declared in New South Wales after unprecedented bushfires 

Reeling from deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-boy-12-drives-brothers-truck-to-flee-fires-with-dog-268640">bushfires and heatwaves</a>, Australia recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday at a high of 40.9C (105.6F).

In its release on Tuesday, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that temperatures in South Australia will begin to rise and "will continue to build in the coming days, pushing east into Victoria and New South Wales over the course of the week".&nbsp;

Many areas are expected to experience "severe to extreme heatwaves this week," the BOM website mentioned.&nbsp;

"For many areas, severe to extreme heatwave conditions will be felt, so it's important people follow the advice of health authorities, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Bureau and remember to check in on any vulnerable family and friends," Bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully said.&nbsp;

Before this, Australia suffered its hottest day in the year 2013 "when the average maximum temperature across the continent was 40.30 ºC," the website stated.&nbsp;

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Oodnadatta, a South Australian town, is expected to record peak temperatures of 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) as predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). According to the forecast, the town will become one of the hottest places on Earth.

The unrelenting heat in Oodnadatta, forecast to repeat every day for at least the next week, is expected to fall just shy of the 50.7C (123.26F) temperature recorded there in 1960, a long-standing national record, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

For weeks, Australia is battling hot weather which is fuelling fires that have destroyed many homes and taken a toll on the wildlife.&nbsp;

Fire authorities in New South Wales (NSW) said on Wednesday there were 100 fires, half of them not contained.

Fires have killed six people, destroyed more than 680 homes and burnt nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of bushland.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Reeling from deadly bushfires and heatwaves, Australia recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday at a high of 40.9C (105.6F). In its release on Tuesday, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that temperatures in South Australia will begin to rise and "will continue to build in the coming days, pushing east into Victoria and New South Wales over the course of the week".

Reeling from deadly bushfires and heatwaves, Australia recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday at a high of 40.9C (105.6F). In its release on Tuesday, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that temperatures in South Australia will begin to rise and "will continue to build in the coming days, pushing east into Victoria and New South Wales over the course of the week". Many areas are expected to experience "severe to extreme heatwaves this week," the BOM website mentioned. "For many areas, severe to extreme heatwave conditions will be felt, so it's important people follow the advice of health authorities, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Bureau and remember to check in on any vulnerable family and friends," Bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully said. Before this, Australia suffered its hottest day in the year 2013 "when the average maximum temperature across the continent was 40.30 ºC," the website stated. × Oodnadatta, a South Australian town, is expected to record peak temperatures of 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) as predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). According to the forecast, the town will become one of the hottest places on Earth. The unrelenting heat in Oodnadatta, forecast to repeat every day for at least the next week, is expected to fall just shy of the 50.7C (123.26F) temperature recorded there in 1960, a long-standing national record, news agency Reuters reported. For weeks, Australia is battling hot weather which is fuelling fires that have destroyed many homes and taken a toll on the wildlife. Fire authorities in New South Wales (NSW) said on Wednesday there were 100 fires, half of them not contained. Fires have killed six people, destroyed more than 680 homes and burnt nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of bushland. (With inputs from Reuters)

As Australia records hottest day, Southern town expected to near 50 degrees 

Massive pulse of carbon dioxide emission. Queensland fires added 55 million tonnes of CO2.

Three million hectares of land burnt in Australia's bushfire

The bushfires in Australia emitted a massive pulse of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere since August which is equivalent to almost half of the country's annual greenhouse gam emissions, media reports said on Friday.

The bushfire emitted about 195m tonnes of CO2 since 1 August, with Queensland’s fires adding a further 55m tonnes over the same period, a UK daily reported citing NASA analysis.

The report also said, in 2018, Australia's entire greenhouse gas footprint was 532m tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

A series of enormous bushfires are raging across east Australia, with a total perimeter longer than the distance from London to Singapore.

The bushfires have claimed the lives of four people since November. Additionally, the fires have burnt about 2.5 million acres of farmland and bush. More than 400 homes were destroyed in the mega-fire.

While police are investigating what triggered some fires, firefighters and scientists have said the bulk of the blazes have been caused by soaring temperatures and three years of drought that left bushland tinder-box dry.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said his government is committed to fighting climate change, insisting that Australia will meet a pledge to cut emissions from 26% to 28% by 2030, versus 2005 levels. But critics accuse the government of merely paying lip service to climate concerns.

(With inputs from agencies)

The bushfires in Australia emitted a massive pulse of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere since August which is equivalent to almost half of the country's annual greenhouse gam emissions, media reports said on Friday.

The bushfires in Australia emitted a massive pulse of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere since August which is equivalent to almost half of the country's annual greenhouse gam emissions, media reports said on Friday. The bushfire emitted about 195m tonnes of CO2 since 1 August, with Queensland’s fires adding a further 55m tonnes over the same period, a UK daily reported citing NASA analysis. The report also said, in 2018, Australia's entire greenhouse gas footprint was 532m tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. A series of enormous bushfires are raging across east Australia, with a total perimeter longer than the distance from London to Singapore. The bushfires have claimed the lives of four people since November. Additionally, the fires have burnt about 2.5 million acres of farmland and bush. More than 400 homes were destroyed in the mega-fire. While police are investigating what triggered some fires, firefighters and scientists have said the bulk of the blazes have been caused by soaring temperatures and three years of drought that left bushland tinder-box dry. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said his government is committed to fighting climate change, insisting that Australia will meet a pledge to cut emissions from 26% to 28% by 2030, versus 2005 levels. But critics accuse the government of merely paying lip service to climate concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia Bushfires emitted 50% of annual CO2 emissions: Report

Facing angry street protests and mounting political pressure, Australia's prime minister on Thursday broke a long silence to acknowledge "troubling" bushfire smoke that has engulfed his native <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fears-grow-about-sydney-after-australia-fires-merge-into-giant-blaze-266607">Sydney </a>for more than a month.

"I've lived all my life, pretty much, in Sydney and the haze that has come from those fires, I know has been deeply troubling to Sydneysiders," he said, ending weeks of studied silence.

On Wednesday up to 20,000 people -- many wearing face masks -- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-protest-against-climate-change-with-bushfire-in-focus-267674">marched in Sydney</a>, demanding Prime Minister Scott Morrison address directly the crisis that has caused health problems to spike and forced residents indoors.

Hours later the conservative leader insisted he understood the concerns of greater Sydney's five million residents, who have been coughing and spluttering through thick smoke off-and-on since October.

"I know how unusual it is to see that haze across my city. And I know how distressing that has been, particularly for young people, who wouldn't have seen that before," he said.

He also made a rare admission that climate change is one of the "factors" causing unprecedented bushfires that have destroyed millions of hectares of land, more than 700 homes and caused toxic smoke to bathe Australia's largest city.

"The dryness of the bush is the biggest factor," he said noting a long drought in some areas. "And we all know climate change, along with many other factors, contributes to what is occurring today."

Until now Morrison's public comments have focused almost exclusively on solidarity with sparsely populated rural communities hit by the fires directly.

A recent poll by Essential Research showed Morrison's disapproval rating had risen from 36 per cent in September -- when the bushfire crisis began in earnest -- to 43 per cent today.

Climate is a vexed political issue for Morrison's Liberal party.

While he once jokingly paraded on the floor of parliament with a lump of coal to show it was not harmful, former leader Malcolm Turnbull broke ranks to demand the party embrace renewable energy and show more leadership.

Any move to significantly reduce Australia's carbon emissions or curb coal exports could damage Morrison in conservative-voting mining communities, split his party and risk tipping a fragile economy into crisis.

Australia's lucrative mining industry accounted for more than 70 percent of exports and was worth a record Aus$264 billion ($180 billion) in the last financial year.

Facing angry street protests and mounting political pressure, Australia's prime minister on Thursday broke a long silence to acknowledge "troubling" bushfire smoke that has engulfed his native Sydney for more than a month.

Facing angry street protests and mounting political pressure, Australia's prime minister on Thursday broke a long silence to acknowledge "troubling" bushfire smoke that has engulfed his native Sydney for more than a month. "I've lived all my life, pretty much, in Sydney and the haze that has come from those fires, I know has been deeply troubling to Sydneysiders," he said, ending weeks of studied silence. On Wednesday up to 20,000 people -- many wearing face masks -- marched in Sydney, demanding Prime Minister Scott Morrison address directly the crisis that has caused health problems to spike and forced residents indoors. Hours later the conservative leader insisted he understood the concerns of greater Sydney's five million residents, who have been coughing and spluttering through thick smoke off-and-on since October. "I know how unusual it is to see that haze across my city. And I know how distressing that has been, particularly for young people, who wouldn't have seen that before," he said. He also made a rare admission that climate change is one of the "factors" causing unprecedented bushfires that have destroyed millions of hectares of land, more than 700 homes and caused toxic smoke to bathe Australia's largest city. "The dryness of the bush is the biggest factor," he said noting a long drought in some areas. "And we all know climate change, along with many other factors, contributes to what is occurring today." Until now Morrison's public comments have focused almost exclusively on solidarity with sparsely populated rural communities hit by the fires directly. A recent poll by Essential Research showed Morrison's disapproval rating had risen from 36 per cent in September -- when the bushfire crisis began in earnest -- to 43 per cent today. Climate is a vexed political issue for Morrison's Liberal party. While he once jokingly paraded on the floor of parliament with a lump of coal to show it was not harmful, former leader Malcolm Turnbull broke ranks to demand the party embrace renewable energy and show more leadership. Any move to significantly reduce Australia's carbon emissions or curb coal exports could damage Morrison in conservative-voting mining communities, split his party and risk tipping a fragile economy into crisis. Australia's lucrative mining industry accounted for more than 70 percent of exports and was worth a record Aus$264 billion ($180 billion) in the last financial year.

Aussie PM breaks silence on 'troubling' smoke crisis

Smoke haze from bushfires raging in Australia spread to the capital Sunday, as firefighters raced to contain more than 140 blazes ahead of a heatwave forecast early this week.

Australia is experiencing a horrific start to its fire season, which scientists say began earlier and is more extreme this year due to a prolonged drought and the effects of climate change.

Residents of Canberra in the country's southeast woke up to see the capital shrouded in haze Sunday, joining those in Sydney who have endured weeks of toxic air pollution caused by bushfire smoke.

Officials said favourable weather conditions had given them a chance to bring several blazes under control before the forecast return of strong winds and high temperatures Tuesday.

Among those is a "mega-fire" burning across 250,000 hectares within an hour's drive of Sydney, Australia's largest city, where ash from the fires has occasionally fallen.

Firefighters are now bracing for Tuesday when temperatures are expected to reach above 40 Celsius in parts of New South Wales state -- worst-hit by the bushfires -- and gusting westerly winds are likely to fan the flames.

"Today (fire) crews will be doing what they can to consolidate and strengthen containment lines, which in some areas will include backburning," NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Greg Allan told AFP.

But the state's Bureau of Meteorology warned that the massive fires are "in some cases just too big to put out at the moment".

"They're pumping out vast amounts of smoke which is filling the air, turning the sky orange &amp; even appearing like significant rain on our radars," the department tweeted.

Nearly 50 reinforcements from the United States and Canada have been flown in to support fatigued firefighters in recent days, with the international contingent tasked with providing logistical assistance.

In neighbouring Queensland, the focus was also on managing fatigue among frontline firefighters -- who in both states are almost all volunteers -- as the weather there provided a brief reprieve from weeks of battling blazes.

"We're just looking to wind down and recover and prepare for the next round, whenever that maybe," a Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokesman told AFP.

Since the crisis began in September, six people have been killed, more than 700 homes destroyed and an estimated two million hectares (almost five million acres) scorched.

Though the human toll has been far lower than the deadliest fire season in 2009 -- when almost 200 people died -- the scale of this year's devastation has been widely described as unprecedented, as Australians grapple with the impacts of a changing climate.

Official data shows 2019 is on track to be one of the hottest and driest years on record in Australia.

Smoke haze from bushfires raging in Australia spread to the capital Sunday, as firefighters raced to contain more than 140 blazes ahead of a heatwave forecast early this week.

Smoke haze from bushfires raging in Australia spread to the capital Sunday, as firefighters raced to contain more than 140 blazes ahead of a heatwave forecast early this week. Australia is experiencing a horrific start to its fire season, which scientists say began earlier and is more extreme this year due to a prolonged drought and the effects of climate change. Residents of Canberra in the country's southeast woke up to see the capital shrouded in haze Sunday, joining those in Sydney who have endured weeks of toxic air pollution caused by bushfire smoke. Officials said favourable weather conditions had given them a chance to bring several blazes under control before the forecast return of strong winds and high temperatures Tuesday. Among those is a "mega-fire" burning across 250,000 hectares within an hour's drive of Sydney, Australia's largest city, where ash from the fires has occasionally fallen. Firefighters are now bracing for Tuesday when temperatures are expected to reach above 40 Celsius in parts of New South Wales state -- worst-hit by the bushfires -- and gusting westerly winds are likely to fan the flames. "Today (fire) crews will be doing what they can to consolidate and strengthen containment lines, which in some areas will include backburning," NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Greg Allan told AFP. But the state's Bureau of Meteorology warned that the massive fires are "in some cases just too big to put out at the moment". "They're pumping out vast amounts of smoke which is filling the air, turning the sky orange & even appearing like significant rain on our radars," the department tweeted. Nearly 50 reinforcements from the United States and Canada have been flown in to support fatigued firefighters in recent days, with the international contingent tasked with providing logistical assistance. In neighbouring Queensland, the focus was also on managing fatigue among frontline firefighters -- who in both states are almost all volunteers -- as the weather there provided a brief reprieve from weeks of battling blazes. "We're just looking to wind down and recover and prepare for the next round, whenever that maybe," a Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokesman told AFP. Since the crisis began in September, six people have been killed, more than 700 homes destroyed and an estimated two million hectares (almost five million acres) scorched. Though the human toll has been far lower than the deadliest fire season in 2009 -- when almost 200 people died -- the scale of this year's devastation has been widely described as unprecedented, as Australians grapple with the impacts of a changing climate. Official data shows 2019 is on track to be one of the hottest and driest years on record in Australia.

Smoke haze settles over Australian capital as bushfires burn

Protesters in smoke-covered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydneysiders-urged-to-stay-indoors-as-australian-bushfire-smoke-blankets-city-263900">Sydney </a>kicked off a fresh round of global protests against climate change on Friday, with activists and schoolchildren picketing the headquarters of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-record-air-pollution-numbers-recorded-in-new-south-wales-sydney-chokes-263757">bushfire-ravaged </a>Australia's ruling party.

Hundreds of people gathered at the conservative Liberal party's offices to heed the call to action from 16-year-old climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg.

The protests have taken on extra urgency in Australia -- the country's southeast has been devastated by hundreds of damaging bushfires in recent weeks.

The protestors -- brandishing placards that read "You're burning our future" and chanting "we will rise" -- turned out as Sydney was again enveloped in toxic smoke caused by the fires that has blanketed the city for much of the last month.

Six people have died and hundreds of homes have been destroyed in the crisis, which scientists say has been worsened by rising temperatures.

Drought and unseasonably hot, dry and windy conditions have fuelled the unprecedented blazes.

The target of the protesters' ire was Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has angrily denied any link between the fires and climate change while defending his support for fossil fuels.

"Our government's inaction on the climate crisis has supercharged bushfires," said school strike leader Shiann Broderick. "People are hurting. Communities like ours are being devastated. Summer hasn't even begun."

Australia, with a population of 25 million, has low carbon emissions compared with the planet's biggest polluters, but is one of the world's leading coal exporters.

"The suggestion that (in) any way shape or form that Australia, accountable for 1.3 per cent of the world's emissions, that the individual actions of Australia are impacting directly on specific fire events, whether it's here or anywhere else in the world, that doesn't bear up to credible scientific evidence," Morrison claimed earlier this month.

Missed targets&nbsp;

Protests are expected later in the day in Melbourne, Brisbane and in cities across the world.

Last month, millions of people took to the streets in nearly every major global city for a series of "climate strikes".

The latest demonstrations come as 200 nations prepare to gather in Madrid next week for a 12-day UN climate conference.

The meeting will focus largely on finalising the "rulebook" for the 2015 Paris climate treaty, which becomes operational in 2021.

Scientists have warned that efforts to cap warming to 1.5 Celsius are failing, and that carbon emissions - which are on the rise -- would need to fall 7.6 per cent a year to meet the target.

The UN has reported that greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, the main driver of climate change, hit a record high last year.

The organisation has also warned that global temperatures are on pace to rise almost four Celsius by the end of the century -- an increase that could make some places virtually unhabitable.

Protesters in smoke-covered Sydney kicked off a fresh round of global protests against climate change on Friday, with activists and schoolchildren picketing the headquarters of bushfire-ravaged Australia's ruling party.

Protesters in smoke-covered Sydney kicked off a fresh round of global protests against climate change on Friday, with activists and schoolchildren picketing the headquarters of bushfire-ravaged Australia's ruling party. Hundreds of people gathered at the conservative Liberal party's offices to heed the call to action from 16-year-old climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg. The protests have taken on extra urgency in Australia -- the country's southeast has been devastated by hundreds of damaging bushfires in recent weeks. The protestors -- brandishing placards that read "You're burning our future" and chanting "we will rise" -- turned out as Sydney was again enveloped in toxic smoke caused by the fires that has blanketed the city for much of the last month. Six people have died and hundreds of homes have been destroyed in the crisis, which scientists say has been worsened by rising temperatures. Drought and unseasonably hot, dry and windy conditions have fuelled the unprecedented blazes. The target of the protesters' ire was Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has angrily denied any link between the fires and climate change while defending his support for fossil fuels. "Our government's inaction on the climate crisis has supercharged bushfires," said school strike leader Shiann Broderick. "People are hurting. Communities like ours are being devastated. Summer hasn't even begun." Australia, with a population of 25 million, has low carbon emissions compared with the planet's biggest polluters, but is one of the world's leading coal exporters. "The suggestion that (in) any way shape or form that Australia, accountable for 1.3 per cent of the world's emissions, that the individual actions of Australia are impacting directly on specific fire events, whether it's here or anywhere else in the world, that doesn't bear up to credible scientific evidence," Morrison claimed earlier this month. Missed targets Protests are expected later in the day in Melbourne, Brisbane and in cities across the world. Last month, millions of people took to the streets in nearly every major global city for a series of "climate strikes". The latest demonstrations come as 200 nations prepare to gather in Madrid next week for a 12-day UN climate conference. The meeting will focus largely on finalising the "rulebook" for the 2015 Paris climate treaty, which becomes operational in 2021. Scientists have warned that efforts to cap warming to 1.5 Celsius are failing, and that carbon emissions - which are on the rise -- would need to fall 7.6 per cent a year to meet the target. The UN has reported that greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, the main driver of climate change, hit a record high last year. The organisation has also warned that global temperatures are on pace to rise almost four Celsius by the end of the century -- an increase that could make some places virtually unhabitable.

Climate protests kick off in smoke-covered Sydney

Strong winds stoked more than 100 fires across Australia's east coast on Tuesday, blanketing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-record-air-pollution-numbers-recorded-in-new-south-wales-sydney-chokes-263757">Sydney </a>in hazardous smoke and prompting health warnings for the country's most populous city.

Australia is prone to bushfires in its dry, hot summers, but fierce blazes have been sparked early, in the southern spring, by a long drought and soaring temperatures.

Wildfires have so far this month claimed at least four lives, burnt about 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farmland and bush and destroyed more than 300 homes.

Powerful winds fanned around 130 fires that have been burning across New South Wales and Queensland states for several days and pushed smoke south to form a thick haze over Sydney, home to around 5 million people.

Officials said the air quality above parts of the harbour city was measured at 10 times hazardous levels on Tuesday and advised people to stay indoors as much as possible as the smoke lingers over coming days.

"We know that heatwaves cause severe illness, hospital admission and even deaths, and that people are more sensitive to heatwaves early in the season," Richard Broom, director of environmental health at NSW Health said In an emailed statement.

"The combination of heat and poor air quality adds to the risk."

In NSW, firefighters were scrambling to strengthen fire containment lines ahead of forecast higher temperatures for much of the rest of the week.

"More than 1,300 firefighters are working on these fires, undertaking backburning operations and strengthening containment lines ahead of forecast hot, dry and windy weather, with seven areas under a total fire ban," the NSW Rural Fire Service said in a statement.

The current bushfire crisis has mostly been contained to the east coast of NSW and Queensland states, but officials in South Australia warned on Tuesday that forecast near-record temperatures raises the risks in that state.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, will hit 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, which coupled with strong winds will create "catastrophic" fire danger conditions.

Strong winds stoked more than 100 fires across Australia's east coast on Tuesday, blanketing Sydney in hazardous smoke and prompting health warnings for the country's most populous city.

Strong winds stoked more than 100 fires across Australia's east coast on Tuesday, blanketing Sydney in hazardous smoke and prompting health warnings for the country's most populous city. Australia is prone to bushfires in its dry, hot summers, but fierce blazes have been sparked early, in the southern spring, by a long drought and soaring temperatures. Wildfires have so far this month claimed at least four lives, burnt about 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farmland and bush and destroyed more than 300 homes. Powerful winds fanned around 130 fires that have been burning across New South Wales and Queensland states for several days and pushed smoke south to form a thick haze over Sydney, home to around 5 million people. Officials said the air quality above parts of the harbour city was measured at 10 times hazardous levels on Tuesday and advised people to stay indoors as much as possible as the smoke lingers over coming days. "We know that heatwaves cause severe illness, hospital admission and even deaths, and that people are more sensitive to heatwaves early in the season," Richard Broom, director of environmental health at NSW Health said In an emailed statement. "The combination of heat and poor air quality adds to the risk." In NSW, firefighters were scrambling to strengthen fire containment lines ahead of forecast higher temperatures for much of the rest of the week. "More than 1,300 firefighters are working on these fires, undertaking backburning operations and strengthening containment lines ahead of forecast hot, dry and windy weather, with seven areas under a total fire ban," the NSW Rural Fire Service said in a statement. The current bushfire crisis has mostly been contained to the east coast of NSW and Queensland states, but officials in South Australia warned on Tuesday that forecast near-record temperatures raises the risks in that state. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, will hit 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, which coupled with strong winds will create "catastrophic" fire danger conditions.

Sydneysiders urged to stay indoors as Australian bushfire smoke blankets city

An Australian national has been accused of intentionally lighting a fire which led to out-of-control <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lack-of-forecast-rains-to-prolong-australian-bushfires-threat-261992">bushfires </a>in order to protect his cannabis crop.&nbsp;

The police in Australia charged a 51-year-old man, who appeared before a court on Saturday, for deliberately setting fire at Ebor in New South Wales. The fire in Ebor is about 10,000 hectares in size and is still burning even after three days.&nbsp;

The accused made a bungled attempt allegedly at backburning which intensified the fires and he didn't take any action to extinguish the flames, according to the police. Backburning is a practice in which firefighters try to clear the undergrowth that fuels the fire.&nbsp;

Authorities blame arsonists for several bushfires across badly-hit New South Wales and Queensland and appealed the residents to give information regarding this which will lead to more arrests. &nbsp;

So far, four people have been killed, more than 300 homes destroyed and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stay-alert-millions-of-australians-brace-for-catastrophic-bushfires-261487">millions are being affected </a>because of the hazardous smoke spread by the massive bushfires. More than one million hectares of land has been razed in over a week.&nbsp;

There were 130 fires that were burning in the two Australian states on Saturday, damaging large swathes of the area which has already been ravaged by a drought.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the uncontrolled bushfires led to demands in Australia asking the country's conservative government to do more to tackle climate change. &nbsp;

Firemen in New South Wales undertook backburning as temperatures dipped on Saturday night. The fires in New South Wales are expected to deteriorate early next week.&nbsp;

Parts of Queensland are facing the risk of an extreme situation as the forecast of high temperatures, low humidity combined with storms will make life difficult for firefighters to control the fires.

Australia is prone to bushfires and scientists believe that the reason behind the fires early this season is because of climate change which is leading to a rise in temperatures and sapping of moisture from the environment.

The Australian government has ignored growing calls of limiting the use of fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and is eager to protect the highly lucrative mining industry.

(with inputs from AFP)

&nbsp;

An Australian national has been accused of intentionally lighting a fire which led to out-of-control bushfires in order to protect his cannabis crop. The police in Australia charged a 51-year-old man, who appeared before a court on Saturday, for deliberately setting fire at Ebor in New South Wales.

An Australian national has been accused of intentionally lighting a fire which led to out-of-control bushfires in order to protect his cannabis crop. The police in Australia charged a 51-year-old man, who appeared before a court on Saturday, for deliberately setting fire at Ebor in New South Wales. The fire in Ebor is about 10,000 hectares in size and is still burning even after three days. The accused made a bungled attempt allegedly at backburning which intensified the fires and he didn't take any action to extinguish the flames, according to the police. Backburning is a practice in which firefighters try to clear the undergrowth that fuels the fire. Authorities blame arsonists for several bushfires across badly-hit New South Wales and Queensland and appealed the residents to give information regarding this which will lead to more arrests. So far, four people have been killed, more than 300 homes destroyed and millions are being affected because of the hazardous smoke spread by the massive bushfires. More than one million hectares of land has been razed in over a week. There were 130 fires that were burning in the two Australian states on Saturday, damaging large swathes of the area which has already been ravaged by a drought. On Saturday, the uncontrolled bushfires led to demands in Australia asking the country's conservative government to do more to tackle climate change. Firemen in New South Wales undertook backburning as temperatures dipped on Saturday night. The fires in New South Wales are expected to deteriorate early next week. Parts of Queensland are facing the risk of an extreme situation as the forecast of high temperatures, low humidity combined with storms will make life difficult for firefighters to control the fires. Australia is prone to bushfires and scientists believe that the reason behind the fires early this season is because of climate change which is leading to a rise in temperatures and sapping of moisture from the environment. The Australian government has ignored growing calls of limiting the use of fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and is eager to protect the highly lucrative mining industry. (with inputs from AFP)

Australian man accused of starting bushfires to protect his cannabis crop

Official weather forecasts for Australia out on Thursday showed no substantial rains for at least three months, providing grim news as firefighters battle to get more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-shelter-and-flee-as-firefighters-battle-150-bushfires-261748">100 bushfires</a> raging across the east coast under control.

Wildfires in New South Wales and Queensland states have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/deadly-australian-bushfires-haze-sydney-261641">killed four people</a>, destroyed hundreds of homes and wiped out 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farmland and bush over the past week.

The fires have been fuelled by tinder-dry conditions after three years of drought that experts say has been exacerbated by climate change, a factor that has sparked a sharp political debate in recent days.

Firefighters have said the blazes will burn for weeks without significant rainfall.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said there is just a 25 per cent&nbsp;chance that the country's east coast will receive average rainfall between December&nbsp;1 and February&nbsp;28.

Stoking the threat, BOM said there is more than 80 per cent&nbsp;chance that temperatures will exceed average levels over the next three months.

More immediately, Rural Fire Service NSW deputy commissioner Rob Rogers said fatigued firefighters face another challenging few days.

"Conditions are starting to warm up tomorrow, into the weekend and then heating up early next week, a return to more gusty conditions. We’re in for the long haul,” Rogers told Australia's Channel 7.

The death toll from the fires rose to four on Thursday after police reported the body of a man was discovered in NSW bushland that had been ravaged by fire.

Bushfires are common in Australia's hot, dry summers, but the ferocity and early arrival of the fires in the southern spring this year has caught many by surprise and stoked an increasingly acrimonious political debate about climate change.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has repeatedly batted away questions on that issue during the current crisis, drawing criticism from climate activists and opposition lawmakers.

A group of former fire chiefs on Thursday said the government's refusal to discuss climate change issues were impeding preparations for large-scale fires.

Greg Mullins, a former Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner, said he and 23 other fire and emergency chiefs had been trying to have a meeting with Morrison since April because they "knew that a bushfire crisis was coming."

Instead, he said current fire chiefs had been locked out of discussions and were "not allowed" to mention climate change.

"This government fundamentally doesn’t like talking about climate change," Mullins told reporters in Sydney.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said earlier in the week that linking the fires to the government's support of the coal industry was "the ravings of some pure, enlightened and woke capital city greenies".

Official weather forecasts for Australia out on Thursday showed no substantial rains for at least three months, providing grim news as firefighters battle to get more than 100 bushfires raging across the east coast under control.

Official weather forecasts for Australia out on Thursday showed no substantial rains for at least three months, providing grim news as firefighters battle to get more than 100 bushfires raging across the east coast under control. Wildfires in New South Wales and Queensland states have killed four people, destroyed hundreds of homes and wiped out 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farmland and bush over the past week. The fires have been fuelled by tinder-dry conditions after three years of drought that experts say has been exacerbated by climate change, a factor that has sparked a sharp political debate in recent days. Firefighters have said the blazes will burn for weeks without significant rainfall. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said there is just a 25 per cent chance that the country's east coast will receive average rainfall between December 1 and February 28. Stoking the threat, BOM said there is more than 80 per cent chance that temperatures will exceed average levels over the next three months. More immediately, Rural Fire Service NSW deputy commissioner Rob Rogers said fatigued firefighters face another challenging few days. "Conditions are starting to warm up tomorrow, into the weekend and then heating up early next week, a return to more gusty conditions. We’re in for the long haul,” Rogers told Australia's Channel 7. The death toll from the fires rose to four on Thursday after police reported the body of a man was discovered in NSW bushland that had been ravaged by fire. Bushfires are common in Australia's hot, dry summers, but the ferocity and early arrival of the fires in the southern spring this year has caught many by surprise and stoked an increasingly acrimonious political debate about climate change. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has repeatedly batted away questions on that issue during the current crisis, drawing criticism from climate activists and opposition lawmakers. A group of former fire chiefs on Thursday said the government's refusal to discuss climate change issues were impeding preparations for large-scale fires. Greg Mullins, a former Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner, said he and 23 other fire and emergency chiefs had been trying to have a meeting with Morrison since April because they "knew that a bushfire crisis was coming." Instead, he said current fire chiefs had been locked out of discussions and were "not allowed" to mention climate change. "This government fundamentally doesn’t like talking about climate change," Mullins told reporters in Sydney. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said earlier in the week that linking the fires to the government's support of the coal industry was "the ravings of some pure, enlightened and woke capital city greenies".

Lack of forecast rains to prolong Australian bushfires threat

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stay-alert-millions-of-australians-brace-for-catastrophic-bushfires-261487">Bushfires&nbsp;reached</a> within kilometres (miles) of&nbsp;Sydney's city centre Tuesday prompting firefighting planes to spray red retardant over trees and houses in a northern suburb.

Authorities said they had one fire in the&nbsp;suburbs&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sydney,&nbsp;Australia's biggest city, under control though another one was out of control.

Aerial footage showed flames burning through a eucalypt forest in Turramurra on&nbsp;Sydney's north shore, around 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the centre of the city.

Firefighters were deployed in the area to protect houses.

"The fire is spreading quickly," New South Wales Rural Fire Service warned residents. "Properties are under threat."

There were no immediate reports of properties in the area being burnt.

Bushfires reached within kilometres (miles) of Sydney's city centre Tuesday prompting firefighting planes to spray red retardant over trees and houses in a northern suburb.

Bushfires reached within kilometres (miles) of Sydney's city centre Tuesday prompting firefighting planes to spray red retardant over trees and houses in a northern suburb. Authorities said they had one fire in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia's biggest city, under control though another one was out of control. Aerial footage showed flames burning through a eucalypt forest in Turramurra on Sydney's north shore, around 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the centre of the city. Firefighters were deployed in the area to protect houses. "The fire is spreading quickly," New South Wales Rural Fire Service warned residents. "Properties are under threat." There were no immediate reports of properties in the area being burnt.

Australia bushfires hit Sydney suburbs

Firefighters in eastern Australia were on Sunday assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for "bad, if not worse" conditions expected to flare in the coming days.

Catastrophic fires have<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-leave-three-dead-at-least-150-homes-lost-260976"> killed three people</a> and razed more than 150 homes since Friday, but cooler weather overnight provided a measure of reprieve for firefighters and residents.

More than 100 fires were still burning across New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday, including dozens of blazes that remained out of control.

Five people reported missing have now been found, but the unpredictable nature of the disaster means officials have not ruled out the possibility that others could still be missing, NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Greg Allan told AFP.

The mayor of the small town of Glen Innes, where two people died, said residents had been left traumatised and were still coming to terms with their losses.

"The fire was as high as 20 foot (six metres) and raging with 80 kilometre-an-hour (50 mile-an-hour) winds," Carol Sparks told national broadcaster ABC.

"It was absolutely horrific for the people that were impacted (by) it."

In Old Bar, which was spared the worst when the wind changed direction, hectares of bushland had turned charcoal and small pockets of flames continued to smoulder.

Peter McKellar, 75, was clearing debris from his property as his neighbour's home sat in ruins.

"The firies (firefighters) saved ours," he told AFP. "They are doing a wonderful job. They're angels."

High temperatures, low humidity and strong winds forecast from the middle of the week are predicted to fuel blazes that authorities have warned they will be unable to contain ahead of time.

"Under these conditions, these fires will spread quickly and will threaten homes and lives," the NSW Rural Fire Service said in a statement.

"These conditions will be as bad, if not worse, than those experienced on Friday as they will be across a much broader area including large population centres like Sydney."

'Primed to burn'

In Queensland, more than 1,200 firefighters were battling 51 active fires across the state on Sunday, with 39 aircraft deployed to assist for the first time ever in the state.

"Queensland does not usually have a fire season like we've experienced this year and last year," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters.

With thousands of people forced to flee from their homes, Australia's government was offering immediate emergency assistance payments of up to Aus$1,000 ($685) to those affected.

Bushfires are common in Australia but the country has experienced a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season -- with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions.

The current disaster has not wreaked the human devastation of Australia's worst recent bushfires, the Black Saturday fires that killed 173 people in Victoria state in 2009, with some experts attributing that to better early warning systems.

But Ross Bradstock, from the Centre for Environmental Management of Bushfires at the University of Wollongong, described the situation as "unprecedented" for the affected regions, which have rarely -- if ever -- experienced such severe fires.

"Sadly, given the weather forecast for the coming week, the crisis may worsen and extend southward into landscapes primed to burn via extreme dryness," he said.

Firefighters in eastern Australia were on Sunday assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for "bad, if not worse" conditions expected to flare in the coming days.

Firefighters in eastern Australia were on Sunday assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for "bad, if not worse" conditions expected to flare in the coming days. Catastrophic fires have killed three people and razed more than 150 homes since Friday, but cooler weather overnight provided a measure of reprieve for firefighters and residents. More than 100 fires were still burning across New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday, including dozens of blazes that remained out of control. Five people reported missing have now been found, but the unpredictable nature of the disaster means officials have not ruled out the possibility that others could still be missing, NSW Rural Fire Service spokesman Greg Allan told AFP. The mayor of the small town of Glen Innes, where two people died, said residents had been left traumatised and were still coming to terms with their losses. "The fire was as high as 20 foot (six metres) and raging with 80 kilometre-an-hour (50 mile-an-hour) winds," Carol Sparks told national broadcaster ABC. "It was absolutely horrific for the people that were impacted (by) it." In Old Bar, which was spared the worst when the wind changed direction, hectares of bushland had turned charcoal and small pockets of flames continued to smoulder. Peter McKellar, 75, was clearing debris from his property as his neighbour's home sat in ruins. "The firies (firefighters) saved ours," he told AFP. "They are doing a wonderful job. They're angels." High temperatures, low humidity and strong winds forecast from the middle of the week are predicted to fuel blazes that authorities have warned they will be unable to contain ahead of time. "Under these conditions, these fires will spread quickly and will threaten homes and lives," the NSW Rural Fire Service said in a statement. "These conditions will be as bad, if not worse, than those experienced on Friday as they will be across a much broader area including large population centres like Sydney." 'Primed to burn' In Queensland, more than 1,200 firefighters were battling 51 active fires across the state on Sunday, with 39 aircraft deployed to assist for the first time ever in the state. "Queensland does not usually have a fire season like we've experienced this year and last year," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters. With thousands of people forced to flee from their homes, Australia's government was offering immediate emergency assistance payments of up to Aus$1,000 ($685) to those affected. Bushfires are common in Australia but the country has experienced a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season -- with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. The current disaster has not wreaked the human devastation of Australia's worst recent bushfires, the Black Saturday fires that killed 173 people in Victoria state in 2009, with some experts attributing that to better early warning systems. But Ross Bradstock, from the Centre for Environmental Management of Bushfires at the University of Wollongong, described the situation as "unprecedented" for the affected regions, which have rarely -- if ever -- experienced such severe fires. "Sadly, given the weather forecast for the coming week, the crisis may worsen and extend southward into landscapes primed to burn via extreme dryness," he said.

Australians warned worst bushfires may be yet to come

Two people have been found dead, seven are missing and at least 100 homes have been destroyed as bushfires rage across eastern Australia, authorities said on Saturday.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) confirmed two people had been killed by a fire near Glen Innes, more than 550 km (340 miles) north of Sydney.

One body was discovered in a vehicle and a woman died after being found suffering from burns on Friday.

NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian told journalists on Saturday that a further seven people were unaccounted for across the state.

"I'm sorry to say that number can increase during the day," Berejiklian said.

This is one of Australia's worst bushfire seasons and parts of the country are crippled by severe drought.

NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said little reprieve in fire conditions could be expected over the next week or throughout the summer months of December, January and February.

"The forecast for the balance of the season continues to be driven by above-normal temperatures (and) below-average rainfall to dominate over the coming months," Fitzsimmons said.

On Friday, state fire authorities issued a record number of emergency warnings, with 17 fires declared to be at an emergency level with high winds and dry-conditions fanning the flames.

More than 70 fires were burning across the state on Saturday morning, with an emergency warning on two of them.

Further north, in Queensland, thousands of residents near the resort town of Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast, spent the night in evacuation centres.

Queensland premier Anastasia Paluszek said authorities were still accessing if it was safe for nearly 2,000 people to return home.

"These fires can change very quickly, it is very dry at the moment and the winds will pick up this afternoon," Paluszek told reporters.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison Tweeted said on Twitter the fires were "simply terrifying" and the government would support people.

Two people have been found dead, seven are missing and at least 100 homes have been destroyed as bushfires rage across eastern Australia, authorities said on Saturday.

Two people have been found dead, seven are missing and at least 100 homes have been destroyed as bushfires rage across eastern Australia, authorities said on Saturday. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) confirmed two people had been killed by a fire near Glen Innes, more than 550 km (340 miles) north of Sydney. One body was discovered in a vehicle and a woman died after being found suffering from burns on Friday. NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian told journalists on Saturday that a further seven people were unaccounted for across the state. "I'm sorry to say that number can increase during the day," Berejiklian said. This is one of Australia's worst bushfire seasons and parts of the country are crippled by severe drought. NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said little reprieve in fire conditions could be expected over the next week or throughout the summer months of December, January and February. "The forecast for the balance of the season continues to be driven by above-normal temperatures (and) below-average rainfall to dominate over the coming months," Fitzsimmons said. On Friday, state fire authorities issued a record number of emergency warnings, with 17 fires declared to be at an emergency level with high winds and dry-conditions fanning the flames. More than 70 fires were burning across the state on Saturday morning, with an emergency warning on two of them. Further north, in Queensland, thousands of residents near the resort town of Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast, spent the night in evacuation centres. Queensland premier Anastasia Paluszek said authorities were still accessing if it was safe for nearly 2,000 people to return home. "These fires can change very quickly, it is very dry at the moment and the winds will pick up this afternoon," Paluszek told reporters. Prime Minister Scott Morrison Tweeted said on Twitter the fires were "simply terrifying" and the government would support people.

Two people found dead and 100 homes destroyed in Australian bushfires

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