Massive bushfires in Australia caused new concerns when the smoke reached neighbouring country New Zealand, forcing people to dial emergency numbers when they spotted orange skies.&nbsp;

The smokes have now moved North, which includes Auckland after covering much of the South Island.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Australian firefighters get brief reprieve as death toll rises</a>

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Took these in Auckland city, New Zealand at 3pm today. The smoke from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianBushfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianBushfire</a> shrouding everything in orange. <a href="https://t.co/tgoRx4I11v">pic.twitter.com/tgoRx4I11v</a>
— Gala Georgette (@GalaGeorgette) <a href="https://twitter.com/GalaGeorgette/status/1213657941850513408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After the skies turned "scary", people in Auckland were urged by police not to dial the 111 emergency number to report the orange haze in the sky coming from Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze</a>

"We are currently receiving high numbers of calls related to this," police said.

People in New Zealand shared images of orange skies seen across Auckland.

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Just took a couple of shots of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Auckland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Auckland</a> smoke from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianBushfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianBushfire</a>. Looks absolutely insane. <a href="https://t.co/zCK8DFzxlM">pic.twitter.com/zCK8DFzxlM</a>
— Cinematic Captures (@CineCaptures) <a href="https://twitter.com/CineCaptures/status/1213641554738348033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Zimena Dormer-Didovich, a local, said that her 14-year-old asthmatic son was feeling the effects of the haze.

"It's very unsettling to see this. I can't imagine what the Australians just be experiencing." said Dormer-Didovich.&nbsp;

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Auckland skies in 4 unfiltered shots<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianBushfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianBushfire</a> <a href="https://t.co/nTPW38Nkzf">pic.twitter.com/nTPW38Nkzf</a>
— Keith Miller (@keith_miller_nz) <a href="https://twitter.com/keith_miller_nz/status/1213634729112522752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Experts say that the change in colour is caused by the smoke which reduces the visibility of blue light.&nbsp;

Forecaster Weatherwatch.co.nz said the appearance of the sky changed dramatically in the early afternoon.

"The gloomy weather is likely to continue for the rest of Sunday with this next main plume moving through and thickening over Sunday afternoon," WeatherWatch said.&nbsp;

At least 24 people have been killed in this season's bushfires in Australia. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt in the fires.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Massive bushfires in Australia caused new concerns when the smoke reached neighbouring country New Zealand, forcing people to dial emergency numbers when they spotted orange skies.

Massive bushfires in Australia caused new concerns when the smoke reached neighbouring country New Zealand, forcing people to dial emergency numbers when they spotted orange skies. The smokes have now moved North, which includes Auckland after covering much of the South Island. Also read: Australian firefighters get brief reprieve as death toll rises Took these in Auckland city, New Zealand at 3pm today. The smoke from the #AustralianBushfire shrouding everything in orange. pic.twitter.com/tgoRx4I11v — Gala Georgette (@GalaGeorgette) January 5, 2020 × After the skies turned "scary", people in Auckland were urged by police not to dial the 111 emergency number to report the orange haze in the sky coming from Australia. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze "We are currently receiving high numbers of calls related to this," police said. People in New Zealand shared images of orange skies seen across Auckland. Just took a couple of shots of the #Auckland smoke from the #AustralianBushfire. Looks absolutely insane. pic.twitter.com/zCK8DFzxlM — Cinematic Captures (@CineCaptures) January 5, 2020 × Zimena Dormer-Didovich, a local, said that her 14-year-old asthmatic son was feeling the effects of the haze. "It's very unsettling to see this. I can't imagine what the Australians just be experiencing." said Dormer-Didovich. Auckland skies in 4 unfiltered shots#AustralianBushfire pic.twitter.com/nTPW38Nkzf — Keith Miller (@keith_miller_nz) January 5, 2020 × Experts say that the change in colour is caused by the smoke which reduces the visibility of blue light. Forecaster Weatherwatch.co.nz said the appearance of the sky changed dramatically in the early afternoon. "The gloomy weather is likely to continue for the rest of Sunday with this next main plume moving through and thickening over Sunday afternoon," WeatherWatch said. At least 24 people have been killed in this season's bushfires in Australia. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt in the fires. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

New Zealand: People call emergency services after skies turn orange due to bushfires

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that 3000 military reserves were called up, the largest in living memory, to tackle country's massive bushfires.&nbsp;

"Today's decision puts more boots on the ground, puts more planes in the sky, puts more ships at sea," said Morrison. &nbsp; &nbsp;
<img alt="Australia bushfires" data-align="center" data-caption="&lt;br /&gt;
Ember and thick smoke from bushfires reach Braemar Bay in New South Wales on January 4, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44af4149-fb86-43ed-948e-05bc55228fc4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IS6nURuL.jpg" />
Australian prime minister also said that defence force bases would provide temporary accommodation to the ones rescued and A$20 million ($14 million) would be spent to lease four fire-fighting planes to deal with the raging bushfires.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-defers-trip-to-india-japan-as-bushfire-crisis-looms-272011">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms</a>

"The scale of the fires is stretching resources on the ground and there are clearly communities that need additional help," Morrison added.&nbsp;
<img alt="Australia bushfires" data-align="center" data-caption="Firefighters struggling against the strong wind in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires&amp;nbsp;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88ff8593-46a7-432f-b90e-70e3dfe93aa7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/xMxsb6hq.jpg" />
In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fierce-wildfires-fuelled-by-searing-temperatures-new-blazes-and-high-winds-in-australia-271558">Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage</a>

To oversee the military's actions on the bushfire-crisis, a two-star general has also been appointed. HMAS Adelaide, a helicopter carrier, has also been deployed to carry out evacuations near the border of the states of New South Wales and Victoria. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">Australian navy evacuates people trapped in Mallacoota as bushfires rage</a>

Australia's military is providing aerial, search and rescue and logistics support for months to fight the months-long disaster. &nbsp;

Presently, 2000 military personnel have already been assisting to tackle the crisis.&nbsp;

"The Government has not taken this decision lightly," said minister of defence Marise Payne. "It is the first time that reserves have been called out in this way in living memory and, in fact, I believe for the first time in our nation's history."

A much smaller number of the reserved forces provided assistance last year too to deal with bushfire-hit Queensland.&nbsp;

At least 23 people are killed in this season's bushfires, which is fuelled by climate change and droughts. More than 5 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been destroyed.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that 3000 military reserves were called up, the largest in living memory, to tackle country's massive bushfires.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that 3000 military reserves were called up, the largest in living memory, to tackle country's massive bushfires. "Today's decision puts more boots on the ground, puts more planes in the sky, puts more ships at sea," said Morrison. Australian prime minister also said that defence force bases would provide temporary accommodation to the ones rescued and A$20 million ($14 million) would be spent to lease four fire-fighting planes to deal with the raging bushfires. Also read: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms "The scale of the fires is stretching resources on the ground and there are clearly communities that need additional help," Morrison added. In pics: Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage To oversee the military's actions on the bushfire-crisis, a two-star general has also been appointed. HMAS Adelaide, a helicopter carrier, has also been deployed to carry out evacuations near the border of the states of New South Wales and Victoria. Also read: Australian navy evacuates people trapped in Mallacoota as bushfires rage Australia's military is providing aerial, search and rescue and logistics support for months to fight the months-long disaster. Presently, 2000 military personnel have already been assisting to tackle the crisis. "The Government has not taken this decision lightly," said minister of defence Marise Payne. "It is the first time that reserves have been called out in this way in living memory and, in fact, I believe for the first time in our nation's history." A much smaller number of the reserved forces provided assistance last year too to deal with bushfire-hit Queensland. At least 23 people are killed in this season's bushfires, which is fuelled by climate change and droughts. More than 5 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been destroyed. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Australia calls in reserve forces to tackle bushfire crisis

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 04, 2020

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-wildlife-destroyed-by-intense-wildfires-could-take-decades-to-recover-271954">Bushfires</a> burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts.

By late evening, Victoria had 14 fires rated at emergency or evacuate warning levels, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toddler-son-receives-posthumous-medal-for-killed-australian-firefighter-271622">New South Wales</a> had 11 rated emergency, with more than 150 others burning across the states. New fires had started, and others had broken containment lines.

"There are a number of fires that are coming together, very strong, very large, intense fires that are creating some of these fire-generated thunderstorms," New South Wales <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">Rural Fire Service</a> (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at an evening briefing.

"And unfortunately we've still got many hours to go of these elevated and dangerous conditions."

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said conditions were deteriorating rapidly as a gusty southerly wind change pushed up the coast and smoke plumes from the fires triggered storms.

Authorities are worried the fires could turn out to be worse than New Year's Eve when they burnt massive tracts of bushland and forced thousands of residents and summer holidaymakers to seek refuge on beaches.

In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said while conditions were difficult, the job of firefighters had been made easier by tens of thousands of people following advice to evacuate.

It may be Sunday or later before damage assessments can be made. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-scrambles-to-reach-thousands-stranded-by-bushfires-at-least-8-dead-271387">Scott Morrison</a> put the national death toll from the current fire season, which began in September, at 23. Twelve of those are from this week's fires alone.

In updates, the NSW RFS repeatedly delivered the same blunt advice to those who had not evacuated at-risk areas: "It is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches."

Residents used social media to post photos of the sky turning black and red from the smoke and glare of the fires, including in the Victorian town of Mallacoota, where around 1,000 people were evacuated by sea on Friday.

The first of those evacuees arrived near Melbourne on Saturday morning after a 20-hour journey by boat and a second ship with about 1,000 people landed in the afternoon.

The federal government announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief.

Andy Gillham, the incident controller in the Victorian town of Bairnsdale, said the area had avoided the worst of the fires on Saturday but stressed this was an exceptional fire season.

"In a normal year, we would start to see the fire season kick-off in a big way around early January and we're already up towards a million hectares of burnt country. This is a marathon event and we expect to be busy managing these fires for at least the next eight weeks," he said.

<img alt="The sky turns red" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b9e1139-b51c-418d-b02a-6bd8b6bc57bf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-04T161928.829_2.jpg" /> 
[The sky turns red in New South Wales, Australia. (Courtesy: Reuters)]

Temperatures topped 45C (113F) in much of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-wildlife-destroyed-by-intense-wildfires-could-take-decades-to-recover-271954">Sydney</a> metropolitan area, with Penrith recording a high of 48.9C (120F) according to the BOM. Canberra, the national capital, recorded a temperature of 44C just after 4 p.m., which the chief minister said was a record for the territory.

As the fires have flared, many towns have been isolated as major and minor roads are closed. Some fires are generating their own storm systems, which create the risk of lightning strikes generating new fires.

A late southerly wind change on Saturday dramatically lowered temperatures but also brought wind gusts of 70-80 km per hour (43-50 miles per hour) that caused some major fires near the border of Victoria and New South Wales states to merge and strengthen.

In South Australia, two people died on Kangaroo Island, a popular holiday spot not far off the coast. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) have burned there, about one-quarter of the total area.

Six people remain unaccounted for in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Victoria</a>, Premier Andrews said on Saturday, down from 28 reported on Friday.

The focus on Saturday is preventing more loss of life, authorities said. National parks have been closed and people urged earlier this week to evacuate large parts of NSW's south coast and Victoria's northeastern regions, magnets for holidaymakers at the peak of Australia's summer school holidays.

Morrison confirmed that his visit to India and Japan scheduled for mid-January had been postponed due to the fires.

More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season.

Bushfires burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts.

Bushfires burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts. By late evening, Victoria had 14 fires rated at emergency or evacuate warning levels, and New South Wales had 11 rated emergency, with more than 150 others burning across the states. New fires had started, and others had broken containment lines. "There are a number of fires that are coming together, very strong, very large, intense fires that are creating some of these fire-generated thunderstorms," New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at an evening briefing. "And unfortunately we've still got many hours to go of these elevated and dangerous conditions." The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said conditions were deteriorating rapidly as a gusty southerly wind change pushed up the coast and smoke plumes from the fires triggered storms. Authorities are worried the fires could turn out to be worse than New Year's Eve when they burnt massive tracts of bushland and forced thousands of residents and summer holidaymakers to seek refuge on beaches. In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said while conditions were difficult, the job of firefighters had been made easier by tens of thousands of people following advice to evacuate. It may be Sunday or later before damage assessments can be made. Prime Minister Scott Morrison put the national death toll from the current fire season, which began in September, at 23. Twelve of those are from this week's fires alone. In updates, the NSW RFS repeatedly delivered the same blunt advice to those who had not evacuated at-risk areas: "It is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches." Residents used social media to post photos of the sky turning black and red from the smoke and glare of the fires, including in the Victorian town of Mallacoota, where around 1,000 people were evacuated by sea on Friday. The first of those evacuees arrived near Melbourne on Saturday morning after a 20-hour journey by boat and a second ship with about 1,000 people landed in the afternoon. The federal government announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief. Andy Gillham, the incident controller in the Victorian town of Bairnsdale, said the area had avoided the worst of the fires on Saturday but stressed this was an exceptional fire season. "In a normal year, we would start to see the fire season kick-off in a big way around early January and we're already up towards a million hectares of burnt country. This is a marathon event and we expect to be busy managing these fires for at least the next eight weeks," he said. [The sky turns red in New South Wales, Australia. (Courtesy: Reuters)] Temperatures topped 45C (113F) in much of the Sydney metropolitan area, with Penrith recording a high of 48.9C (120F) according to the BOM. Canberra, the national capital, recorded a temperature of 44C just after 4 p.m., which the chief minister said was a record for the territory. As the fires have flared, many towns have been isolated as major and minor roads are closed. Some fires are generating their own storm systems, which create the risk of lightning strikes generating new fires. A late southerly wind change on Saturday dramatically lowered temperatures but also brought wind gusts of 70-80 km per hour (43-50 miles per hour) that caused some major fires near the border of Victoria and New South Wales states to merge and strengthen. In South Australia, two people died on Kangaroo Island, a popular holiday spot not far off the coast. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) have burned there, about one-quarter of the total area. Six people remain unaccounted for in Victoria, Premier Andrews said on Saturday, down from 28 reported on Friday. The focus on Saturday is preventing more loss of life, authorities said. National parks have been closed and people urged earlier this week to evacuate large parts of NSW's south coast and Victoria's northeastern regions, magnets for holidaymakers at the peak of Australia's summer school holidays. Morrison confirmed that his visit to India and Japan scheduled for mid-January had been postponed due to the fires. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season.

Fuelled by high temperatures and strong winds, Australian bushfires continues rage

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-developing-their-own-weather-systems-authorities-272116">Australia</a> landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire.

Teenagers, couples, seniors and families, plus dozens of pets,113 dogs from dachshunds to Alsatians, three cats, a rabbit and a bird, arrived on the naval ships Sycamore and Choules at a port of Hastings. They were then transferred in buses to two relief centres.

“For someone who’s never been in a fire, it’s very, very, frightening. I’m so happy to be here,” said Emily Wellington, a 16-year-old from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuelled-by-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds-australian-bushfires-continues-rage-272114">Melbourne</a> who had been in Mallacoota on a two-week holiday with family friends.

She and two other 16-year-olds were among the first 58 evacuated from the smoke-filled town as they have asthma. “They wanted us to get out so we don’t get sick,” Wellington said.

They spoke to reporters outside a relief centre about 65 kilometres (40 miles) southeast of Melbourne shortly after getting off the Sycamore at Hastings.

The Choules, a much bigger ship, arrived on Saturday afternoon with 1,025 evacuees on board.

Two hundred of them headed by bus to Melbourne’s convention centre. Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp greeted them on the bus to let them know they would have access to food, drink, showers, insurance services and Red Cross help.

“I’m sorry you’ve been through such a terrible time,” she said, to applause.

James Corrigan spent a harrowing 24 hours packed with eight friends in a sport utility vehicle on the beach in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Mallacoota</a> when fires roared through the town on New Year’s Eve. He said it was a relief to be back in Melbourne.

“It was pretty scary. The night before the fire hit, no one got any sleep at all,” he said. “It was pitch black during the day.”

The friends feared for their lives, while they sought shelter near water, he said.

“We were worried the fire would be really hot with embers coming through,” Corrigan told media by phone from the bus.

“There was a period of not knowing how we’d get out,” he said, referring to the days after the fires died down.

One of the teens on the first ship, Darcy Brown, lost her family home in Mallacoota. They had moved in there just a month ago.

“It was so devastating to see. All the tin is flat to the ground. Some of the bricks are still standing,” Brown told reporters.

Vacationers left cars and caravans behind in Mallacoota, not knowing how they will get them back, while some have stayed there while sending children back to Melbourne.

Authorities have said it might take weeks to reopen the one road out of Mallacoota.

One traumatised elderly woman, Rosa, choked up as she talked to reporters about the fires.

“It was terrible. I will never go back,” she said.

But like many others, she praised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Australian navy</a> and all the volunteers in the relief effort for bringing them safely back to Melbourne.

“It was so comfortable on the ship,” said teenage evacuee Wellington..

Back in Melbourne, everyone was eager to shower and put their smoke-tainted clothes in the wash. What were they going to do first?

“Hug my parents, definitely,” Wellington said.

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern Australia landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire.

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern Australia landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire. Teenagers, couples, seniors and families, plus dozens of pets,113 dogs from dachshunds to Alsatians, three cats, a rabbit and a bird, arrived on the naval ships Sycamore and Choules at a port of Hastings. They were then transferred in buses to two relief centres. “For someone who’s never been in a fire, it’s very, very, frightening. I’m so happy to be here,” said Emily Wellington, a 16-year-old from Melbourne who had been in Mallacoota on a two-week holiday with family friends. She and two other 16-year-olds were among the first 58 evacuated from the smoke-filled town as they have asthma. “They wanted us to get out so we don’t get sick,” Wellington said. They spoke to reporters outside a relief centre about 65 kilometres (40 miles) southeast of Melbourne shortly after getting off the Sycamore at Hastings. The Choules, a much bigger ship, arrived on Saturday afternoon with 1,025 evacuees on board. Two hundred of them headed by bus to Melbourne’s convention centre. Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp greeted them on the bus to let them know they would have access to food, drink, showers, insurance services and Red Cross help. “I’m sorry you’ve been through such a terrible time,” she said, to applause. James Corrigan spent a harrowing 24 hours packed with eight friends in a sport utility vehicle on the beach in Mallacoota when fires roared through the town on New Year’s Eve. He said it was a relief to be back in Melbourne. “It was pretty scary. The night before the fire hit, no one got any sleep at all,” he said. “It was pitch black during the day.” The friends feared for their lives, while they sought shelter near water, he said. “We were worried the fire would be really hot with embers coming through,” Corrigan told media by phone from the bus. “There was a period of not knowing how we’d get out,” he said, referring to the days after the fires died down. One of the teens on the first ship, Darcy Brown, lost her family home in Mallacoota. They had moved in there just a month ago. “It was so devastating to see. All the tin is flat to the ground. Some of the bricks are still standing,” Brown told reporters. Vacationers left cars and caravans behind in Mallacoota, not knowing how they will get them back, while some have stayed there while sending children back to Melbourne. Authorities have said it might take weeks to reopen the one road out of Mallacoota. One traumatised elderly woman, Rosa, choked up as she talked to reporters about the fires. “It was terrible. I will never go back,” she said. But like many others, she praised the Australian navy and all the volunteers in the relief effort for bringing them safely back to Melbourne. “It was so comfortable on the ship,” said teenage evacuee Wellington.. Back in Melbourne, everyone was eager to shower and put their smoke-tainted clothes in the wash. What were they going to do first? “Hug my parents, definitely,” Wellington said.

'I will never go back': Traumatised bushfire evacuees land in Melbourne

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-as-bushfires-continue-to-rage-one-more-firefighter-dies-2-others-injured-271059">bushfires</a> ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes.

On Saturday, the New South Wales <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-trapped-as-bushfires-encircles-coastal-town-271141">Rural Fire Service</a> (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney.

"A fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire on the northern edge of the fire near Nowra. This is a very dangerous situation. Monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action," the RFS said on social media.

The weather conditions are the results of the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds. They have been recorded all over the world but as the global climate changes, they may become a more frequent occurrence for Australians, the country's Climate Council said in a 2019 report.

An&nbsp;RFS firefighter was killed on Monday by a fire tornado caused by the collapse of a pyrocumulonimbus cloud formation that rolled over the fire truck he was in.

Shane Fitzsimmons, the NSW RFS commissioner, pointed to that death when asked about the fire-induced weather patterns.

"That extraordinary event resulted in cyclonic-type base flipping over a 10-tonne truck. That is the volatility and danger that exists," he said.

The pyrocumulonimbus clouds are essentially a thunderstorm that forms from the smoke plume of fire as intense heat from the fire causes air to rise rapidly, drawing in cooler air, according to information from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-australia-records-hottest-day-southern-town-expected-to-near-50-degrees-268999">Australian Bureau of Meteorology</a>.

As the cloud climbs and then cools in the low temperatures of the upper atmosphere, the collisions of ice particles in the higher parts of the cloud build up an electrical charge, which can be released as lightning.

These can cause dangerous and unpredictable changes in fire behaviour, making them harder to fight as well as causing lightning strikes that could ignite new fires.

The rising air also spurs intense updrafts that suck in so much air that strong winds develop, causing a fire to burn hotter and spread further.

The bushfires ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes. On Saturday, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney.

The bushfires ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes. On Saturday, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney. "A fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire on the northern edge of the fire near Nowra. This is a very dangerous situation. Monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action," the RFS said on social media. The weather conditions are the results of the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds. They have been recorded all over the world but as the global climate changes, they may become a more frequent occurrence for Australians, the country's Climate Council said in a 2019 report. An RFS firefighter was killed on Monday by a fire tornado caused by the collapse of a pyrocumulonimbus cloud formation that rolled over the fire truck he was in. Shane Fitzsimmons, the NSW RFS commissioner, pointed to that death when asked about the fire-induced weather patterns. "That extraordinary event resulted in cyclonic-type base flipping over a 10-tonne truck. That is the volatility and danger that exists," he said. The pyrocumulonimbus clouds are essentially a thunderstorm that forms from the smoke plume of fire as intense heat from the fire causes air to rise rapidly, drawing in cooler air, according to information from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. As the cloud climbs and then cools in the low temperatures of the upper atmosphere, the collisions of ice particles in the higher parts of the cloud build up an electrical charge, which can be released as lightning. These can cause dangerous and unpredictable changes in fire behaviour, making them harder to fight as well as causing lightning strikes that could ignite new fires. The rising air also spurs intense updrafts that suck in so much air that strong winds develop, causing a fire to burn hotter and spread further.

Australian wildfires developing their own 'weather systems': Authorities

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;has suffered yet another&nbsp;injury&nbsp;blow on their tour of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-marnus-labuschagne-hits-double-ton-in-australias-454-in-sydney-test-272047">Australia</a> on Saturday after confirmation that bowler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-fast-bowler-ferguson-gets-new-zealand-test-call-262318">Matt&nbsp;Henry</a>&nbsp;broke his left thumb on the opening day of the third test.

The right-arm seamer will&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to bowl in the test, which the tourists must at least draw to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash, but whether he bats will depend on "match conditions",&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;Cricket said.

The Blacks Caps lost <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">Lockie Ferguson</a> to&nbsp;injury&nbsp;in the first test and another pace bowler, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-nz-spinner-somerville-replaces-injured-boult-in-sydney-test-270920">Trent Boult</a>, in the second, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">Tim Southee</a> was dropped for the third to make way for&nbsp;Henry.

Captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">Kane Williamson</a>, batsman&nbsp;Henry&nbsp;Nicholls and spinner Mitchell Santner were also ruled out of the third test by a bout of flu.

New Zealand has suffered yet another injury blow on their tour of Australia on Saturday after confirmation that bowler Matt Henry broke his left thumb on the opening day of the third test.

New Zealand has suffered yet another injury blow on their tour of Australia on Saturday after confirmation that bowler Matt Henry broke his left thumb on the opening day of the third test. The right-arm seamer will continue to bowl in the test, which the tourists must at least draw to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash, but whether he bats will depend on "match conditions", New Zealand Cricket said. The Blacks Caps lost Lockie Ferguson to injury in the first test and another pace bowler, Trent Boult, in the second, while Tim Southee was dropped for the third to make way for Henry. Captain Kane Williamson, batsman Henry Nicholls and spinner Mitchell Santner were also ruled out of the third test by a bout of flu.

Aus vs NZ: New Zealand woes continue with bowler Matt Henry injury

Bushfires continued to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-fires-in-australia-navy-helps-evacuate-the-stranded-271716">rage in Australia</a> on Friday showing no signs of abating leaving at least 18 people dead.&nbsp;

The authorities have declared a state of emergency in New South Wales with the wildfires raging even as Navy ships rescued hundreds of people from beaches in Australia.&nbsp;

The announcement comes after authorities ordered tourists from New South Wales south coast to Victoria's east Gippsland to leave the region within the next 24-hour period.

The navy evacuated hundreds from the Victorian coastal town of Mallacoota&nbsp;which has been cut off for days by wildfires, forcing as many as 4,000 residents and tourists to take shelter on beaches.

Watch Video:

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Over 200 fires have been burning around Australia, and warnings of extreme danger has now been set in motion in one of the largest evacuations in Australian history.

The latest spate of fires, which raced towards the coast this week&nbsp;has already destroyed over 200 homes.

As the situation in Australia worsened, the government deployed military ships and helicopters to rescue thousands trapped in the blazes.

Navy ships brought water, food and fuel to Mallacoota town where supplies have been mostly depleted and roads cut off by the fires.

Meanwhile, the authorities have urged a mass exodus from several towns on Australia’s southeast coast, an area that is hugely popular in the &nbsp;holiday season with hundreds of &nbsp;holidaymakers seeking shelter on beaches&nbsp;while many stood in shallow water to escape the flames.

A tourist leave zone has also been generated along the south coast by the New South Wales rural fire service under widespread power and communications outages.

The fires in Australia continue to be fanned by soaring temperatures and winds as columns of fire and smoke have engulfed several towns.

Bushfires continued to rage in Australia on Friday showing no signs of abating leaving at least 18 people dead. The authorities have declared a state of emergency in New South Wales with the wildfires raging even as Navy ships rescued hundreds of people from beaches in Australia.

Bushfires continued to rage in Australia on Friday showing no signs of abating leaving at least 18 people dead. The authorities have declared a state of emergency in New South Wales with the wildfires raging even as Navy ships rescued hundreds of people from beaches in Australia. The announcement comes after authorities ordered tourists from New South Wales south coast to Victoria's east Gippsland to leave the region within the next 24-hour period. The navy evacuated hundreds from the Victorian coastal town of Mallacoota which has been cut off for days by wildfires, forcing as many as 4,000 residents and tourists to take shelter on beaches. Watch Video: Over 200 fires have been burning around Australia, and warnings of extreme danger has now been set in motion in one of the largest evacuations in Australian history. The latest spate of fires, which raced towards the coast this week has already destroyed over 200 homes. As the situation in Australia worsened, the government deployed military ships and helicopters to rescue thousands trapped in the blazes. Navy ships brought water, food and fuel to Mallacoota town where supplies have been mostly depleted and roads cut off by the fires. Meanwhile, the authorities have urged a mass exodus from several towns on Australia’s southeast coast, an area that is hugely popular in the holiday season with hundreds of holidaymakers seeking shelter on beaches while many stood in shallow water to escape the flames. A tourist leave zone has also been generated along the south coast by the New South Wales rural fire service under widespread power and communications outages. The fires in Australia continue to be fanned by soaring temperatures and winds as columns of fire and smoke have engulfed several towns.

Australian navy evacuates people trapped in Mallacoota as bushfires rage

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">Kane Williamson</a> on Friday.

A Blacks Caps side featuring five changes from the side which lost in Melbourne to cede the three-match series battled gamely but Labuschagne looked well set on 73 not out after scoring his sixth half-century in his last seven innings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">Steve Smith</a> was unbeaten on 42 having taken 39 balls to get off the mark, his determination not to fall to <a>New Zealand</a> quick Neil Wagner for a fifth time in this series apparently overcoming his desire to score runs.

Wagner did take one big wicket when he removed David Warner for 45 three balls after lunch with a delivery down the leg side that the Australian opener steered to gully for Colin de Grandhomme to take a fine catch.

De Grandhomme was responsible for the one wicket to fall in the first session when he had the other opener, Joe Burns, caught in the slips off an outside edge for 18.

The day got off to a chaotic start for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-collapse-to-148-all-out-under-australian-pace-barrage-270701">New Zealand</a> when Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were ruled out of the match by a flu virus just before the toss, while spinner Mitchell Santner was too ill to leave the team hotel.

Tom Latham was named captain in Williamson's place and his first act was to lose a toss the tourists would have been desperate to win after selecting two spinners and dropping paceman Tim Southee.

With Southee's usual strike partner Trent Boult ruled out by injury, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">New Zealand</a> started a test for the first time in more than a decade without one of the pair or Williamson in the side.

Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the conflagrations.

The skies were clear of the bushfire smoke that has shrouded the city on several occasions over the last few months and has organisers prepared for delays during the match.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain Kane Williamson on Friday.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain Kane Williamson on Friday. A Blacks Caps side featuring five changes from the side which lost in Melbourne to cede the three-match series battled gamely but Labuschagne looked well set on 73 not out after scoring his sixth half-century in his last seven innings. Steve Smith was unbeaten on 42 having taken 39 balls to get off the mark, his determination not to fall to New Zealand quick Neil Wagner for a fifth time in this series apparently overcoming his desire to score runs. Wagner did take one big wicket when he removed David Warner for 45 three balls after lunch with a delivery down the leg side that the Australian opener steered to gully for Colin de Grandhomme to take a fine catch. De Grandhomme was responsible for the one wicket to fall in the first session when he had the other opener, Joe Burns, caught in the slips off an outside edge for 18. The day got off to a chaotic start for New Zealand when Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were ruled out of the match by a flu virus just before the toss, while spinner Mitchell Santner was too ill to leave the team hotel. Tom Latham was named captain in Williamson's place and his first act was to lose a toss the tourists would have been desperate to win after selecting two spinners and dropping paceman Tim Southee. With Southee's usual strike partner Trent Boult ruled out by injury, New Zealand started a test for the first time in more than a decade without one of the pair or Williamson in the side. Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the conflagrations. The skies were clear of the bushfire smoke that has shrouded the city on several occasions over the last few months and has organisers prepared for delays during the match.

Sydney Test: Labuschagne leads charge against New Zealand as Australia take charge

Australia's PM Scott Morrison had to cut short a visit to a town ravaged by fire after angry locals heckled him over the government's response.

Australia fires: Angry residents hurl verbal abuses on PM Scott Morrison

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 3, 2020

The fierce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">wildfires</a> raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day. Not only it is severely affecting the country's unique flora and fauna but also, impacting the vegetation of the bushlands. Experts believe that it could take&nbsp;decades for wildlife to recover.

Unprecedented temperatures across the continent have made this season's fires particularly deadly, killing at least 20 people and bringing apocalyptic scenes to an area roughly twice the size of Belgium.

The crisis has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">intense bushfire season</a>, and the Australian government has faced widespread criticism over its response and wider environmental policy.

Watch:&nbsp;Australia bushfires: Koalas &amp; Kangaroos undergo partial burns

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Harrowing footage of desperate koalas drinking from water bottles handed to them by rescuers and kangaroos standing helpless in fire-ravaged towns and charred forests have shocked people across the world.

There is some hope, however, as experts believe scorched forests can recover in time, and decimated populations of koalas, kangaroos and other badly affected species may be able to return.

A University of Sydney study estimates that 480 million animals have been killed in just the state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-fires-in-australia-navy-helps-evacuate-the-stranded-271716">New South Wales</a> (NSW) since September 2019, and according to a statement released Friday the authors said the "highly conservative" mortality calculations could mean the toll could be "substantially higher".

In order to reach the figure, the researchers cross-referenced estimates of mammal population density in NSW with areas of vegetation known to have been scorched to work out the death toll, which includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats or frogs.

"The true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million," the statement said.

"NSW's wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change."

Professor Andrew Beattie from Macquarie University near Sydney told media he believes the death toll of animals nationwide could be in the billions, "if you think of mammals, and birds, and reptiles, amphibians and say the larger insects such as butterflies".

"We can be pretty sure that in large parts of these very expansive fires, most of the wildlife will be dead," the emeritus professor from the department of biological sciences said.

"The flora and fauna will be gone, and that includes the smaller animals which form the food chain for the bigger ones, which people often don't think about."

Koala populations have been hit particularly hard because they live in trees, feed only on certain types of eucalypts and cannot move quickly enough away from the flames.

Even before this year's bushfire crisis, numbers in NSW and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-haze-settles-over-australian-capital-as-bushfires-burn-266894">Queensland</a> had already dropped by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to the federally threatened species scientific committee.

The plight of the marsupial, native to Australia, has been raised in the country's parliament, with Nature Conservation Council ecologist Mark Graham telling lawmakers: "The fires have burnt so hot and so fast that there has been significant mortality of animals in the trees, but there is such a big area now that is still on fire and still burning that we will probably never find the bodies."

Previous studies have found that fires do not spread across the landscape uniformly, and some places are left unscathed even if areas around them are totally devastated.

"It's those areas that are untouched or have suffered less where wildlife tends to accumulate if they can get there," Beattie told AFP, adding that if there are enough of these, the burnt forests should regenerate over time but only if conditions improve quickly.

Asked if there was hope for the repopulation of animals in the worst-hit areas, Beattie said it depends on factors including rainfall, climate and logging, and it could take up to 40 years for habitats to return to normal.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-announces-compensation-for-volunteer-firefighters-270788">Scott Morrison's</a> handling of the crisis has provoked fury in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-of-small-australian-communities-told-to-evacuate-as-fire-approaches-270749">Australia</a> and further afield, and Beattie said the response, particularly from the federal government, has been "lamentably slow and their attitude is still lamentably casual".

"You've got federal politicians with very little knowledge of the environment, which is, as we are now discovering 'the real world', and hence have not perceived the oncoming catastrophes."

The fierce wildfires raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day.

The fierce wildfires raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day. Not only it is severely affecting the country's unique flora and fauna but also, impacting the vegetation of the bushlands. Experts believe that it could take decades for wildlife to recover. Unprecedented temperatures across the continent have made this season's fires particularly deadly, killing at least 20 people and bringing apocalyptic scenes to an area roughly twice the size of Belgium. The crisis has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense bushfire season, and the Australian government has faced widespread criticism over its response and wider environmental policy. Watch: Australia bushfires: Koalas & Kangaroos undergo partial burns × Harrowing footage of desperate koalas drinking from water bottles handed to them by rescuers and kangaroos standing helpless in fire-ravaged towns and charred forests have shocked people across the world. There is some hope, however, as experts believe scorched forests can recover in time, and decimated populations of koalas, kangaroos and other badly affected species may be able to return. A University of Sydney study estimates that 480 million animals have been killed in just the state of New South Wales (NSW) since September 2019, and according to a statement released Friday the authors said the "highly conservative" mortality calculations could mean the toll could be "substantially higher". In order to reach the figure, the researchers cross-referenced estimates of mammal population density in NSW with areas of vegetation known to have been scorched to work out the death toll, which includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats or frogs. "The true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million," the statement said. "NSW's wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change." Professor Andrew Beattie from Macquarie University near Sydney told media he believes the death toll of animals nationwide could be in the billions, "if you think of mammals, and birds, and reptiles, amphibians and say the larger insects such as butterflies". "We can be pretty sure that in large parts of these very expansive fires, most of the wildlife will be dead," the emeritus professor from the department of biological sciences said. "The flora and fauna will be gone, and that includes the smaller animals which form the food chain for the bigger ones, which people often don't think about." Koala populations have been hit particularly hard because they live in trees, feed only on certain types of eucalypts and cannot move quickly enough away from the flames. Even before this year's bushfire crisis, numbers in NSW and Queensland had already dropped by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to the federally threatened species scientific committee. The plight of the marsupial, native to Australia, has been raised in the country's parliament, with Nature Conservation Council ecologist Mark Graham telling lawmakers: "The fires have burnt so hot and so fast that there has been significant mortality of animals in the trees, but there is such a big area now that is still on fire and still burning that we will probably never find the bodies." Previous studies have found that fires do not spread across the landscape uniformly, and some places are left unscathed even if areas around them are totally devastated. "It's those areas that are untouched or have suffered less where wildlife tends to accumulate if they can get there," Beattie told AFP, adding that if there are enough of these, the burnt forests should regenerate over time but only if conditions improve quickly. Asked if there was hope for the repopulation of animals in the worst-hit areas, Beattie said it depends on factors including rainfall, climate and logging, and it could take up to 40 years for habitats to return to normal. Prime Minister Scott Morrison's handling of the crisis has provoked fury in Australia and further afield, and Beattie said the response, particularly from the federal government, has been "lamentably slow and their attitude is still lamentably casual". "You've got federal politicians with very little knowledge of the environment, which is, as we are now discovering 'the real world', and hence have not perceived the oncoming catastrophes."

Australia Bushfires: Destroyed wildlife could take decades to recover

On January 3, the Australian navy started evacuating some of the thousands trapped on the fire-ravaged country's east coast as a searing weather front was set to whip up more blazes across the states of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). This has foced as many as 4000 residents and tourists to take shelter on the beaches. #WION #Australia #AustraliaBushfires #NSW #AustralianNavy

Navy comes to aid of thousands trapped in Australia bushfires

Tourists have been given 48 hours to evacuate as the government called in the military to help in rescue operations.

Australia bushfires: Over 4,000 people trapped in Mallacoota beaches

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 2, 2020

Australian military assisted fire emergency and rescue personnel on Thursday (January 2) in Australia's south-east state of Victoria, where 50 fires are currently burning.

Australian military brings aid to fire-stricken communities in Victoria state

Residents and tourists along the New South Wales south coast started evacuations on Thursday (January 2) with authorities declaring a "tourist leave zone" for hundred's of kilometres of the coast.

Thousands evacuate New South Wales south coast ahead of bushfire threat

New South Wales police declared "tourist leave zone" ahead of dangerous fire conditions in the region as the death toll in the Australia bushfires rose to eighteen. #WION #Australia #AustraliaBushfires

Your Story: Navy comes to aid of thousands trapped in Australia bushfires

The toddler son of a volunteer firefighter killed battling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">wildfires in Australia</a> received one of the service's highest honours on behalf of his father during an emotional funeral on Thursday.

Nineteen-month-old Harvey Keaton stood quietly, sucking on a pacifier, as the fire service commissioner pinned a posthumous commendation for bravery and service to his neatly pressed, oversized Rural Fire Services (RFS) shirt.

Watch: Australia bushfires: Over 4,000 people trapped in Mallacoota beaches

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Harvey's father, 32-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-leader-curtails-holiday-as-firefighters-killed-in-huge-blazes-269260">Geoffrey Keaton</a>, was one of three volunteer firefighters killed in recent weeks. Keaton and a colleague died last month when a burnt tree fell in the path of their fire truck, causing it to roll. The third firefighter died this week in what was described by authorities as a "fire tornado".

Dozens of firefighters saluted and formed a guard of honour as Keaton's hearse drove into a Sydney cemetery, according to pictures of the funeral posted online by the fire service.

A mug placed on the coffin had a picture of father and son stick figures and the inscription: "Daddy I love you to the moon and back!"

Another photograph from the funeral showed Harvey being held by his mother, Keaton's fiance Jess Hayes, as they looked at a portrait of the firefighter atop his coffin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-scrambles-to-reach-thousands-stranded-by-bushfires-at-least-8-dead-271387">NSW state Royal Fire Services</a> Commissioner Craig Fitzsimmons, who has been giving daily briefings on the crisis, knelt down to pin the medal on Harvey's shirt.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has faced some criticism for his response to the fires, also attended.

The NSW RFS said on Twitter it had "farewelled one of our own".

Eight people have been killed by wildfires in the eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria since Monday, and 18 are still missing.

Fierce fires have flared around Australia for several weeks, prompting mass evacuations, devastating towns and destroying homes. They have also raised questions about Australia's readiness to deal with climate change.

The toddler son of a volunteer firefighter killed battling wildfires in Australia received one of the service's highest honours on behalf of his father during an emotional funeral on Thursday.

The toddler son of a volunteer firefighter killed battling wildfires in Australia received one of the service's highest honours on behalf of his father during an emotional funeral on Thursday. Nineteen-month-old Harvey Keaton stood quietly, sucking on a pacifier, as the fire service commissioner pinned a posthumous commendation for bravery and service to his neatly pressed, oversized Rural Fire Services (RFS) shirt. Watch: Australia bushfires: Over 4,000 people trapped in Mallacoota beaches × Harvey's father, 32-year-old Geoffrey Keaton, was one of three volunteer firefighters killed in recent weeks. Keaton and a colleague died last month when a burnt tree fell in the path of their fire truck, causing it to roll. The third firefighter died this week in what was described by authorities as a "fire tornado". Dozens of firefighters saluted and formed a guard of honour as Keaton's hearse drove into a Sydney cemetery, according to pictures of the funeral posted online by the fire service. A mug placed on the coffin had a picture of father and son stick figures and the inscription: "Daddy I love you to the moon and back!" Another photograph from the funeral showed Harvey being held by his mother, Keaton's fiance Jess Hayes, as they looked at a portrait of the firefighter atop his coffin. NSW state Royal Fire Services Commissioner Craig Fitzsimmons, who has been giving daily briefings on the crisis, knelt down to pin the medal on Harvey's shirt. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has faced some criticism for his response to the fires, also attended. The NSW RFS said on Twitter it had "farewelled one of our own". Eight people have been killed by wildfires in the eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria since Monday, and 18 are still missing. Fierce fires have flared around Australia for several weeks, prompting mass evacuations, devastating towns and destroying homes. They have also raised questions about Australia's readiness to deal with climate change.

Toddler son receives posthumous medal for killed Australian firefighter

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">New Zealand</a> squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday.

Tom Latham, who took the captain's press conference in the absence of Williamson, said left-arm spinner Mitch Santner had also been affected by the bug but he was hopeful all three would be fit to play when the Test got underway on Friday.

"It's up in the air at the moment but a couple of the boys are a bit crook unfortunately," Latham told reporters at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-collapse-to-148-all-out-under-australian-pace-barrage-270701">Sydney&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Ground</a> (SCG).

"They're going to have today off as well as yesterday, so fingers crossed tomorrow they'll be right to go.

"I think it's flu-like symptoms, I'm not 100% sure," he added. "It's gone around the team a little bit, which isn't ideal, but they're resting up today and hopefully they'll be good to go."

New Zealand were beaten heavily in the first two Tests of the three-match series but the loss in particular of world class batsman Williamson would be a major blow to their hopes of putting in a good performance to close out the tour.

Latham, however, thought it would have to be a very serious illness for his captain to miss the match.

"I think it will take a lot," he said. "He's obviously a great leader amongst this group and he's passionate about this group so if there's any chance of him playing, even if it is a small chance, I'm sure he'll play."

Santner was under pressure for his place in the side in any case after taking 1-250 over the first two Tests and his illness makes it even more likely that off-spinner Will Somerville will play his fourth Test.

The 35-year-old former accountant, who knows the SCG well after playing for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">New South Wales</a> for four years until 2018, was called into the squad this week.

New Zealand have only one extra batsman in the squad but Latham said the presence of a few all-rounders would make the position easier if Williamson and Nicholls were unable to play.

"Obviously if we lost those guys it would be a little bit disappointing but ... whatever side we end up playing, we've got the backing of the whole group that it's the right team to do the job," he said.

"We haven't necessarily played our best brand of&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;since we've been over here and the guys are really excited to go out there over the next five days and try to put in a good performance."

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the New Zealand squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday.

A flu-like bug that has ripped through the New Zealand squad ahead of the third Test against Australia forced captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls to miss training for the second successive day on Thursday. Tom Latham, who took the captain's press conference in the absence of Williamson, said left-arm spinner Mitch Santner had also been affected by the bug but he was hopeful all three would be fit to play when the Test got underway on Friday. "It's up in the air at the moment but a couple of the boys are a bit crook unfortunately," Latham told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). "They're going to have today off as well as yesterday, so fingers crossed tomorrow they'll be right to go. "I think it's flu-like symptoms, I'm not 100% sure," he added. "It's gone around the team a little bit, which isn't ideal, but they're resting up today and hopefully they'll be good to go." New Zealand were beaten heavily in the first two Tests of the three-match series but the loss in particular of world class batsman Williamson would be a major blow to their hopes of putting in a good performance to close out the tour. Latham, however, thought it would have to be a very serious illness for his captain to miss the match. "I think it will take a lot," he said. "He's obviously a great leader amongst this group and he's passionate about this group so if there's any chance of him playing, even if it is a small chance, I'm sure he'll play." Santner was under pressure for his place in the side in any case after taking 1-250 over the first two Tests and his illness makes it even more likely that off-spinner Will Somerville will play his fourth Test. The 35-year-old former accountant, who knows the SCG well after playing for New South Wales for four years until 2018, was called into the squad this week. New Zealand have only one extra batsman in the squad but Latham said the presence of a few all-rounders would make the position easier if Williamson and Nicholls were unable to play. "Obviously if we lost those guys it would be a little bit disappointing but ... whatever side we end up playing, we've got the backing of the whole group that it's the right team to do the job," he said. "We haven't necessarily played our best brand of cricket since we've been over here and the guys are really excited to go out there over the next five days and try to put in a good performance."

Cricket: New Zealand sweat on ailing Williamson and Nicholls

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs addressed the Media live. Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs has explained India's position on Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He also informed that the Australian Prime Minister is expected to visit India in June 2020. #WION #India #IndiaNews #RaveeshKumar

Indian Foreign Ministry briefs media

A third person was confirmed dead on Wednesday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-scrambles-to-reach-thousands-stranded-by-bushfires-at-least-8-dead-271387">devastating bushfires</a> that engulfed Australia's southeast coast this week and a fourth was missing and feared dead, as navy ships rushed to provide supplies and assist with evacuations.

At least 15 people are now believed to have died, while scores of people remain missing after weeks of fires that have ripped through Australia's east coast, much of which is tinder-dry after three years of drought.

Fanned by soaring temperatures, columns of fire and smoke-blackened entire towns on Monday and Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents and holidaymakers to seek shelter on beaches. Many stood in shallow water to escape the flames.

Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) and new blazes are sparked almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions and, most recently, dry lightning strikes created by the fires themselves.

Watch: What is causing bushfires in Australia?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-causing-bushfires-in-australia-271400/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cooler conditions on Wednesday gave the country a moment to count the cost of the fires, although there were still more than 100 blazes in New South Wales (NSW) state alone and thousands of firefighters on the ground.

The body of a man was found in a burnt car early on Wednesday on the south coast of New South Wales after emergency workers began reaching the most damaged areas, and police said the death toll will rise.

"Sadly, we can report today that police have confirmed a further three deaths as a result of the fires on the South Coast," NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys told reporters in Sydney.

"Police are also at Lake Conjola now, where a house has been destroyed by fire and the occupant of that home is still unaccounted for."

NSW police did not identify the missing man but said he was 72 years old and authorities have been unable to reach his home.

Police said early assessments have found nearly 200 homes have been destroyed, though they cautioned it was an early estimate.

In Victoria state, four people remain missing, state Premier Daniel Andrews said, after a massive blaze ripped through Gippsland - a rural region about 500 km east of Melbourne.

About 4,000 people in the town of Mallacoota in Victoria headed to the waterfront after the main road was cut off.

Mark Tregellas, a resident of Mallacoota who spent the night on a boat ramp, said only a late shift in the wind direction sparred lives.

"The fire just continued to grow and then the black started to descend. I couldn't see the hand in front in my face, and it then it started to glow red and we knew the fire was coming," Tregellas told Reuters.

"Ash started to fall from the air and then the embers started to come down. At that point, people started to bring their kids and families into the water. Thankfully, the wind changed and the fire moved away."

Thousands of Australians remain cut off as fires force the closure of major roads, leaving many struggling to secure supplies.

In Milton, a small town on the NSW south coast, locals queued for hours for the few remaining items left of shelves on supermarkets.

Emma Schirmer, who evacuated from her house in Batemans Bay with her three-month child on Tuesday, said the local shop was limiting sales to six items per customer, while a power outage meant shoppers could pay only with cash.

As shops run low and firefighters struggle with exhaustion, Australia's military, including Black Hawk helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and naval vessels were being deployed.

Victoria's emergency management commissioner, Andrew Crisp, said the 176-metre-long HMAS Choules may be used to evacuate many of those stranded in Mallacoota, though with a capacity of 1,000 it will be insufficient alone.

HMAS Choules is due to arrive on Thursday.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said authorities were working to restore communications with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-scrambles-to-reach-thousands-stranded-by-bushfires-at-least-8-dead-271387">areas cut off by the fires</a>, though she warned conditions will deteriorate again over the weekend.

"Weather conditions on Saturday will be as bad as they were" on Tuesday, Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Meanwhile, Australia's capital Canberra was blanketed in thick smoke, reaching about 20 times hazardous levels, prompting health warnings.

The smoke has also drifted to New Zealand where it has turned the daytime sky orange across the South Island.

A third person was confirmed dead on Wednesday in devastating bushfires that engulfed Australia's southeast coast this week and a fourth was missing and feared dead, as navy ships rushed to provide supplies and assist with evacuations.

A third person was confirmed dead on Wednesday in devastating bushfires that engulfed Australia's southeast coast this week and a fourth was missing and feared dead, as navy ships rushed to provide supplies and assist with evacuations. At least 15 people are now believed to have died, while scores of people remain missing after weeks of fires that have ripped through Australia's east coast, much of which is tinder-dry after three years of drought. Fanned by soaring temperatures, columns of fire and smoke-blackened entire towns on Monday and Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents and holidaymakers to seek shelter on beaches. Many stood in shallow water to escape the flames. Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) and new blazes are sparked almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions and, most recently, dry lightning strikes created by the fires themselves. Watch: What is causing bushfires in Australia? Cooler conditions on Wednesday gave the country a moment to count the cost of the fires, although there were still more than 100 blazes in New South Wales (NSW) state alone and thousands of firefighters on the ground. The body of a man was found in a burnt car early on Wednesday on the south coast of New South Wales after emergency workers began reaching the most damaged areas, and police said the death toll will rise. "Sadly, we can report today that police have confirmed a further three deaths as a result of the fires on the South Coast," NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys told reporters in Sydney. "Police are also at Lake Conjola now, where a house has been destroyed by fire and the occupant of that home is still unaccounted for." NSW police did not identify the missing man but said he was 72 years old and authorities have been unable to reach his home. Police said early assessments have found nearly 200 homes have been destroyed, though they cautioned it was an early estimate. In Victoria state, four people remain missing, state Premier Daniel Andrews said, after a massive blaze ripped through Gippsland - a rural region about 500 km east of Melbourne. About 4,000 people in the town of Mallacoota in Victoria headed to the waterfront after the main road was cut off. Mark Tregellas, a resident of Mallacoota who spent the night on a boat ramp, said only a late shift in the wind direction sparred lives. "The fire just continued to grow and then the black started to descend. I couldn't see the hand in front in my face, and it then it started to glow red and we knew the fire was coming," Tregellas told Reuters. "Ash started to fall from the air and then the embers started to come down. At that point, people started to bring their kids and families into the water. Thankfully, the wind changed and the fire moved away." Thousands of Australians remain cut off as fires force the closure of major roads, leaving many struggling to secure supplies. In Milton, a small town on the NSW south coast, locals queued for hours for the few remaining items left of shelves on supermarkets. Emma Schirmer, who evacuated from her house in Batemans Bay with her three-month child on Tuesday, said the local shop was limiting sales to six items per customer, while a power outage meant shoppers could pay only with cash. As shops run low and firefighters struggle with exhaustion, Australia's military, including Black Hawk helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and naval vessels were being deployed. Victoria's emergency management commissioner, Andrew Crisp, said the 176-metre-long HMAS Choules may be used to evacuate many of those stranded in Mallacoota, though with a capacity of 1,000 it will be insufficient alone. HMAS Choules is due to arrive on Thursday. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said authorities were working to restore communications with areas cut off by the fires, though she warned conditions will deteriorate again over the weekend. "Weather conditions on Saturday will be as bad as they were" on Tuesday, Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. Meanwhile, Australia's capital Canberra was blanketed in thick smoke, reaching about 20 times hazardous levels, prompting health warnings. The smoke has also drifted to New Zealand where it has turned the daytime sky orange across the South Island.

Death toll in Australia reaches fifteen as bushfires rage

Australian authorities on January 1, 2020, confirmed that a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead. #WION #AustraliaBushfires

What is causing bushfires in Australia?

A major operation to reach thousands of people stranded in fire-ravaged seaside towns was under way in Australia on Wednesday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-trapped-as-bushfires-encircles-coastal-town-271141">deadly bushfires</a> ripped through popular tourist spots and rural areas leaving at least eight people dead.

Navy ships and military aircraft were deployed alongside emergency crews to provide humanitarian relief and assess the damage from the deadliest spate of blazes yet in a months-long bushfire crisis.

Police said three more bodies were discovered Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll since late Monday to eight, including a volunteer firefighter killed when a "fire tornado" flipped his 10-tonne truck.

There were mounting fears for several others missing after the country's southeast was devastated by out-of-control blazes, which destroyed more than 200 homes and left some small towns in ruins.

Information was trickling out of coastal communities where thousands of holidaymakers and locals were thought to have seen in the New Year taking refuge from flames at surf clubs, as power outages and damage to telecommunications towers brought down phone lines and the internet.

New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said emergency services faced a "real challenge" trying to help injured people in isolated areas.

<img alt="Bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76075a35-6f13-4d6f-af94-d2cfff3e5d86" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2843%29_3.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-wildfires-trap-thousands-in-coastal-town-271185#forced-to-head-to-waterfront-271170">Also read: How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia</a>

"We haven't been able to get access via roads or via aircraft. It's been... too dangerous and we simply can't access, nor can the people in these areas get out," he said.

Fires were raging across the country and the defence force said it could take days for the military to reach people in some remote areas.

'Ember attacks'

There was relief in the town of Mallacoota -- where towering columns of smoke turned the sky pitch black and nearby fires caused waves of "ember attacks" -- after a change in the wind spared around 4,000 people who had huddled on the foreshore.

Survivors cheered firefighters who battled to protect them by creating a protective ring of fire trucks.

"I understand there was a standing ovation at the end of that for the firefighters," Victoria Emergency Management commissioner Andrew Crisp told public broadcaster ABC.

Authorities were preparing for the possibility that Mallacoota could be cut off for weeks: aircraft have begun dropping supplies into the town while a barge with two weeks' worth of supplies was due to arrive later Wednesday.&nbsp;

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Evacuation on the beach at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/batemansbay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#batemansbay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abcnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/qZzOJcOKz1">pic.twitter.com/qZzOJcOKz1</a>
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Paramedics were reportedly assessing the injured and moving those requiring further treatment to a 25-bed floating medical centre off the coast.

Many people have returned to find their homes burned to the ground, with the task of rebuilding shattered communities expected to take years.

Gary Hinton escaped flames roaring through Cobargo early Tuesday and returned to the stricken town to find his father's house largely intact, but many other buildings reduced to cinders.

"It wasn't good. It's turned out pretty devastating for everyone," he told AFP.

'Long and dangerous fight'

Cooler temperatures and easing winds provided a window of opportunity for relief efforts Wednesday, but there were concerns over new fires sparked by lightning in alpine regions.

"There's a lot of people holidaying, again, up in those areas," Crisp said. "We'll be prioritising those (fires) and hitting them as hard as we can. We don't need any new fires."

Firefighters were racing to take advantage of the milder weather in the country's southeast to contain dozens of blazes, as authorities warned the fire danger would spike on Saturday as temperatures soar again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australian-wildlife-battles-to-survive-as-bushfires-rage-271041">Also read: The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage</a>

"At the very least, weather conditions will be at least as bad as what they were yesterday," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

"That makes this a long and dangerous and complex fight, a long and dangerous process to support everyone who's been impacted by it," Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews added.

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Locals and tourists holding tight on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mallacoota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mallacoota</a> wharf as the bushfire passes through the popular seaside summer holiday spot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustraliaBurns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustraliaBurns</a> (📷 from ‘travelling_aus_family’ on Instagram). <a href="https://t.co/NfQxlwObxv">pic.twitter.com/NfQxlwObxv</a>
— Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) <a href="https://twitter.com/siobhanheanue/status/1211824397452922880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This season's blazes have killed at least 17 people, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and scorched about 5.5 million hectares (13.5 million acres) -- an area bigger than Denmark or the Netherlands.

For weeks, major Australian cities have been choked by toxic bushfire smoke, and on Wednesday air quality reached hazardous levels in Canberra as visibility in the capital plummeted.

Satellite images showed smoke from the latest fires had blown across the Tasman Sea to reach New Zealand.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="796bb238-1537-42f0-b742-40a19945edec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2842%29_1.jpg" />

The unprecedented crisis has sparked street protests calling on the government to immediately act on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense bushfire season.

Conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come under increasing pressure for his response, which has included holidaying in Hawaii as the disaster unfolded and reiterating his steadfast support for Australia's lucrative -- but heavily polluting -- coal mining industry.

Officials in Sydney have also been criticised for ignoring calls to cancel the harbour city's famed New Year's Eve fireworks display.

&nbsp;

A major operation to reach thousands of people stranded in fire-ravaged seaside towns was under way in Australia on Wednesday after deadly bushfires ripped through popular tourist spots and rural areas leaving at least eight people dead.

A major operation to reach thousands of people stranded in fire-ravaged seaside towns was under way in Australia on Wednesday after deadly bushfires ripped through popular tourist spots and rural areas leaving at least eight people dead. Navy ships and military aircraft were deployed alongside emergency crews to provide humanitarian relief and assess the damage from the deadliest spate of blazes yet in a months-long bushfire crisis. Police said three more bodies were discovered Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll since late Monday to eight, including a volunteer firefighter killed when a "fire tornado" flipped his 10-tonne truck. There were mounting fears for several others missing after the country's southeast was devastated by out-of-control blazes, which destroyed more than 200 homes and left some small towns in ruins. Information was trickling out of coastal communities where thousands of holidaymakers and locals were thought to have seen in the New Year taking refuge from flames at surf clubs, as power outages and damage to telecommunications towers brought down phone lines and the internet. New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said emergency services faced a "real challenge" trying to help injured people in isolated areas. Also read: How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia "We haven't been able to get access via roads or via aircraft. It's been... too dangerous and we simply can't access, nor can the people in these areas get out," he said. Fires were raging across the country and the defence force said it could take days for the military to reach people in some remote areas. 'Ember attacks' There was relief in the town of Mallacoota -- where towering columns of smoke turned the sky pitch black and nearby fires caused waves of "ember attacks" -- after a change in the wind spared around 4,000 people who had huddled on the foreshore. Survivors cheered firefighters who battled to protect them by creating a protective ring of fire trucks. "I understand there was a standing ovation at the end of that for the firefighters," Victoria Emergency Management commissioner Andrew Crisp told public broadcaster ABC. Authorities were preparing for the possibility that Mallacoota could be cut off for weeks: aircraft have begun dropping supplies into the town while a barge with two weeks' worth of supplies was due to arrive later Wednesday. Evacuation on the beach at #batemansbay @abcnews pic.twitter.com/qZzOJcOKz1 — Alastair Prior (@alastairprior) December 31, 2019 × Paramedics were reportedly assessing the injured and moving those requiring further treatment to a 25-bed floating medical centre off the coast. Many people have returned to find their homes burned to the ground, with the task of rebuilding shattered communities expected to take years. Gary Hinton escaped flames roaring through Cobargo early Tuesday and returned to the stricken town to find his father's house largely intact, but many other buildings reduced to cinders. "It wasn't good. It's turned out pretty devastating for everyone," he told AFP. 'Long and dangerous fight' Cooler temperatures and easing winds provided a window of opportunity for relief efforts Wednesday, but there were concerns over new fires sparked by lightning in alpine regions. "There's a lot of people holidaying, again, up in those areas," Crisp said. "We'll be prioritising those (fires) and hitting them as hard as we can. We don't need any new fires." Firefighters were racing to take advantage of the milder weather in the country's southeast to contain dozens of blazes, as authorities warned the fire danger would spike on Saturday as temperatures soar again. Also read: The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage "At the very least, weather conditions will be at least as bad as what they were yesterday," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. "That makes this a long and dangerous and complex fight, a long and dangerous process to support everyone who's been impacted by it," Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews added. Locals and tourists holding tight on the #Mallacoota wharf as the bushfire passes through the popular seaside summer holiday spot #AustraliaBurns (📷 from ‘travelling_aus_family’ on Instagram). pic.twitter.com/NfQxlwObxv — Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) December 31, 2019 × This season's blazes have killed at least 17 people, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and scorched about 5.5 million hectares (13.5 million acres) -- an area bigger than Denmark or the Netherlands. For weeks, major Australian cities have been choked by toxic bushfire smoke, and on Wednesday air quality reached hazardous levels in Canberra as visibility in the capital plummeted. Satellite images showed smoke from the latest fires had blown across the Tasman Sea to reach New Zealand. The unprecedented crisis has sparked street protests calling on the government to immediately act on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense bushfire season. Conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has come under increasing pressure for his response, which has included holidaying in Hawaii as the disaster unfolded and reiterating his steadfast support for Australia's lucrative -- but heavily polluting -- coal mining industry. Officials in Sydney have also been criticised for ignoring calls to cancel the harbour city's famed New Year's Eve fireworks display.

At least 8 dead as Australia scrambles to reach thousands stranded by bushfires

Australian authorities on January 1, 2020, confirmed that a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead.

Australia bushfires show no signs of abating

Australian&nbsp;authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating&nbsp;bushfires&nbsp;that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead.

Fanned by soaring temperatures, columns of fire and smoke-blackened entire towns on Monday and Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents and holidaymakers to seek shelter on beaches. Many stood in shallow water to escape the flames.

In total, there have been 12 fire-related deaths across Australia since blazes broke out a few months ago, including three volunteer firefighters, after a three-year drought in large parts of the nation created tinder-dry conditions.

Huge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-trapped-as-bushfires-encircles-coastal-town-271141">bushfires</a>&nbsp;have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) an area larger than Japan and new blazes are sparked almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions and, most recently, dry lightning strikes created by the fires themselves.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-wildfires-trap-thousands-in-coastal-town-271185#forced-to-head-to-waterfront-271170">Also read: How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia</a>

Cooler conditions on Wednesday gave the country a moment to count the cost of the fires, although there were still more than 100 blazes in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-record-air-pollution-numbers-recorded-in-new-south-wales-sydney-chokes-263757">New South Wales</a> (NSW) state alone and thousands of firefighters on the ground.

The body of a man was found in a burnt car early on Wednesday on the south coast of New South Wales after emergency workers began reaching the most damaged areas, according to the state's Rural Fire Service (RFS).

The death toll is likely to rise, NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

<img alt="Bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76075a35-6f13-4d6f-af94-d2cfff3e5d86" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2843%29_3.jpg" />

"We still have grave concerns for (another person)," he told reporters in Sydney.

There is "limited access to the remote area to try to identify and confirm one way or the other the status of that person."

NSW police did not identify the missing man but said he was 72 years old and authorities have been unable to reach his home.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australian-wildlife-battles-to-survive-as-bushfires-rage-271041">Also read: The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage</a>

Several fires continue to burn in the area, making assessments difficult, though local lawmaker Fiona Phillips said she estimates as many as 200 homes have been destroyed.

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Locals and tourists holding tight on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mallacoota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mallacoota</a> wharf as the bushfire passes through the popular seaside summer holiday spot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustraliaBurns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustraliaBurns</a> (📷 from ‘travelling_aus_family’ on Instagram). <a href="https://t.co/NfQxlwObxv">pic.twitter.com/NfQxlwObxv</a>
— Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) <a href="https://twitter.com/siobhanheanue/status/1211824397452922880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Large-scale livestock and animal casualties are also expected across Australia's east coast, though Mogo Zoo&nbsp;home to Australia’s largest collection of primates, along with zebras, white rhinos, lions, tigers, and giraffes&nbsp;was saved.

The wildlife park was threatened by an out-of-control bushfire, though zookeepers and firefighters managed to save all 200 animals.

In Victoria state, four people remain missing, state Premier Daniel Andrews said, after a massive blaze ripped through Gippsland a rural region about 500 km (310 miles) east of Melbourne.

About 4,000 people in the town of Mallacoota in Victoria headed to the waterfront after the main road was cut off.

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Evacuation on the beach at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/batemansbay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#batemansbay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abcnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/qZzOJcOKz1">pic.twitter.com/qZzOJcOKz1</a>
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Mark Tregellas, a resident of Mallacoota who spent the night on a boat ramp, said only a late shift in the wind direction sparred lives.

"The fire just continued to grow and then the black started to descend. I couldn't see the hand in front in my face, and it then started to glow red and we knew the fire was coming," Tregellas told Reuters.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="796bb238-1537-42f0-b742-40a19945edec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2842%29_1.jpg" />

"Ash started to fall from the air and then the embers started to come down. At that point, people started to bring their kids and families into the water. Thankfully, the wind changed and the fire moved away."

With thousands of people still stranded, Australia's military has been drafted in to provide supplies and assist with evacuations in areas, many of which have been left without power for hours.

In Ulladulla, a small coastal town about 230 km south of Sydney, many residents and holidaymakers were scrambling to get supplies, leading to long lines outside the few shops open on a public holiday.

Black Hawk helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and naval vessels have all been deployed, along with military personnel.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said authorities were working to restore communications with areas cut off by the fires, and she warned conditions will deteriorate again over the weekend.

"Weather conditions on Saturday will be as bad as they were" on Tuesday, Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Australia's capital Sydney was blanketed in thick smoke, reaching about 20 times hazardous levels, prompting health warnings.

The smoke has also drifted to New Zealand where it has turned the daytime sky orange across the South Island.

Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead.

Australian authorities on Wednesday confirmed a third person had died in devastating bushfires that engulfed the southeast coastal region this week and said a fourth person was missing and feared dead. Fanned by soaring temperatures, columns of fire and smoke-blackened entire towns on Monday and Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents and holidaymakers to seek shelter on beaches. Many stood in shallow water to escape the flames. In total, there have been 12 fire-related deaths across Australia since blazes broke out a few months ago, including three volunteer firefighters, after a three-year drought in large parts of the nation created tinder-dry conditions. Huge bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (10 million acres) an area larger than Japan and new blazes are sparked almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions and, most recently, dry lightning strikes created by the fires themselves. Also read: How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia Cooler conditions on Wednesday gave the country a moment to count the cost of the fires, although there were still more than 100 blazes in New South Wales (NSW) state alone and thousands of firefighters on the ground. The body of a man was found in a burnt car early on Wednesday on the south coast of New South Wales after emergency workers began reaching the most damaged areas, according to the state's Rural Fire Service (RFS). The death toll is likely to rise, NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said. "We still have grave concerns for (another person)," he told reporters in Sydney. There is "limited access to the remote area to try to identify and confirm one way or the other the status of that person." NSW police did not identify the missing man but said he was 72 years old and authorities have been unable to reach his home. Also read: The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage Several fires continue to burn in the area, making assessments difficult, though local lawmaker Fiona Phillips said she estimates as many as 200 homes have been destroyed. Locals and tourists holding tight on the #Mallacoota wharf as the bushfire passes through the popular seaside summer holiday spot #AustraliaBurns (📷 from ‘travelling_aus_family’ on Instagram). pic.twitter.com/NfQxlwObxv — Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) December 31, 2019 × Large-scale livestock and animal casualties are also expected across Australia's east coast, though Mogo Zoo home to Australia’s largest collection of primates, along with zebras, white rhinos, lions, tigers, and giraffes was saved. The wildlife park was threatened by an out-of-control bushfire, though zookeepers and firefighters managed to save all 200 animals. In Victoria state, four people remain missing, state Premier Daniel Andrews said, after a massive blaze ripped through Gippsland a rural region about 500 km (310 miles) east of Melbourne. About 4,000 people in the town of Mallacoota in Victoria headed to the waterfront after the main road was cut off. Evacuation on the beach at #batemansbay @abcnews pic.twitter.com/qZzOJcOKz1 — Alastair Prior (@alastairprior) December 31, 2019 × Mark Tregellas, a resident of Mallacoota who spent the night on a boat ramp, said only a late shift in the wind direction sparred lives. "The fire just continued to grow and then the black started to descend. I couldn't see the hand in front in my face, and it then started to glow red and we knew the fire was coming," Tregellas told Reuters. "Ash started to fall from the air and then the embers started to come down. At that point, people started to bring their kids and families into the water. Thankfully, the wind changed and the fire moved away." With thousands of people still stranded, Australia's military has been drafted in to provide supplies and assist with evacuations in areas, many of which have been left without power for hours. In Ulladulla, a small coastal town about 230 km south of Sydney, many residents and holidaymakers were scrambling to get supplies, leading to long lines outside the few shops open on a public holiday. Black Hawk helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and naval vessels have all been deployed, along with military personnel. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said authorities were working to restore communications with areas cut off by the fires, and she warned conditions will deteriorate again over the weekend. "Weather conditions on Saturday will be as bad as they were" on Tuesday, Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney. Australia's capital Sydney was blanketed in thick smoke, reaching about 20 times hazardous levels, prompting health warnings. The smoke has also drifted to New Zealand where it has turned the daytime sky orange across the South Island.

Three dead, several missing as Australia counts the cost of devastating bushfires

Three people caught in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-as-bushfires-continue-to-rage-one-more-firefighter-dies-2-others-injured-271059">bushfires </a>in Australia's southeast are feared dead, officials said on Tuesday as thousands of tourists, residents remain stranded because of fires encircling&nbsp;the region.&nbsp;

On Monday, a volunteer firefighter died while combating bushfires that have destroyed 3 million hectares of land in Australia.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-wildfires-trap-thousands-in-coastal-town-271185#forced-to-head-to-waterfront-271170">How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia</a>

Preliminary reports claimed three potential fatalities in small towns in the state of New South Wales, said New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. He also said that police were unable to reach the locations due to the ongoing threat from massive blazes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thousands of residents and tourists are trapped on a beach in southeast Australia as massive bushfires ringed the area making the escape from the land difficult.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australian-wildlife-battles-to-survive-as-bushfires-rage-271041">The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage</a>

<img alt="Bushfires " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6bb5cc52-697d-485f-8e49-16ec0de6c781" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2823%29_3.jpg" />

&nbsp;

At least 4,000 people are trapped in the coastal town of Mallacoota because of the bushfires that cut off main in and out road of the town. Residents and holiday makers were forced to head to the gymnasium or waterfront.

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This photo needs to be the front page of every paper in Australia for the first day of the new decade. Welcome to the 20’s, Australia. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mallacoota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mallacoota</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/australiaburns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#australiaburns</a> <a href="https://t.co/6bcswM3yeU">pic.twitter.com/6bcswM3yeU</a>
— Dan (@danbakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/danbakes/status/1211850190132367360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The authorities said that nearby fires were causing extreme thunderstorms and "ember attacks".&nbsp;

"We've got a fire that looks like it's about to impact on Mallacoota," &nbsp;Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp told public broadcaster ABC. He also said firefighters have been deployed to rescue the stranded people.&nbsp;

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Locals and tourists holding tight on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mallacoota?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mallacoota</a> wharf as the bushfire passes through the popular seaside summer holiday spot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustraliaBurns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustraliaBurns</a> (📷 from ‘travelling_aus_family’ on Instagram). <a href="https://t.co/NfQxlwObxv">pic.twitter.com/NfQxlwObxv</a>
— Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) <a href="https://twitter.com/siobhanheanue/status/1211824397452922880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"We've got three strike teams in Mallacoota that will be looking after 4,000 people down on the beach there," Crisp said. "We're naturally very concerned about communities that have become isolated."

Reportedly, preparations are also underway for a sea or airborne rescue if required.&nbsp;

<img alt="Bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86e577f6-64fe-4e65-9c14-90113408efc9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2822%29_1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

Many residents said on social media said that they were wearing life jackets if they needed to seek refuge in the water to escape fires. Some social media posts also showed blood-red, smoke-filled skies.&nbsp;

Bushfire-affected areas can reach a temperature of up to 100 degrees, killing anybody within that region even before the flames reach them.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Evacuation on the beach at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/batemansbay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#batemansbay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abcnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/qZzOJcOKz1">pic.twitter.com/qZzOJcOKz1</a>
— Alastair Prior (@alastairprior) <a href="https://twitter.com/alastairprior/status/1211818382007267328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The ocean is the "last resort option" as per Victoria's emergency management agency.

In New South Wales coast too, similar warnings were made that many "dangerous" fires are spreading rapidly and people in the region should take shelter on beaches if necessary.&nbsp;

"These fires moved quickly this morning. They pose a serious threat to life. Do not be in their path. Avoid bushland areas. If the path is clear, move to larger towns or beaches to take shelter," New South Wales Rural Fire Service said.

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP) 
&nbsp;

Three people caught in bushfires in Australia's southeast are feared dead, officials said on Tuesday as thousands of tourists, residents remain stranded because of fires encircling the region.

Three people caught in bushfires in Australia's southeast are feared dead, officials said on Tuesday as thousands of tourists, residents remain stranded because of fires encircling the region. On Monday, a volunteer firefighter died while combating bushfires that have destroyed 3 million hectares of land in Australia. Also read: How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia Preliminary reports claimed three potential fatalities in small towns in the state of New South Wales, said New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. He also said that police were unable to reach the locations due to the ongoing threat from massive blazes. Thousands of residents and tourists are trapped on a beach in southeast Australia as massive bushfires ringed the area making the escape from the land difficult. Also read: The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage At least 4,000 people are trapped in the coastal town of Mallacoota because of the bushfires that cut off main in and out road of the town. Residents and holiday makers were forced to head to the gymnasium or waterfront. This photo needs to be the front page of every paper in Australia for the first day of the new decade. Welcome to the 20’s, Australia. #mallacoota #australiaburns pic.twitter.com/6bcswM3yeU — Dan (@danbakes) December 31, 2019 × The authorities said that nearby fires were causing extreme thunderstorms and "ember attacks". "We've got a fire that looks like it's about to impact on Mallacoota," Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp told public broadcaster ABC. He also said firefighters have been deployed to rescue the stranded people. Locals and tourists holding tight on the #Mallacoota wharf as the bushfire passes through the popular seaside summer holiday spot #AustraliaBurns (📷 from ‘travelling_aus_family’ on Instagram). pic.twitter.com/NfQxlwObxv — Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) December 31, 2019 × "We've got three strike teams in Mallacoota that will be looking after 4,000 people down on the beach there," Crisp said. "We're naturally very concerned about communities that have become isolated." Reportedly, preparations are also underway for a sea or airborne rescue if required. Many residents said on social media said that they were wearing life jackets if they needed to seek refuge in the water to escape fires. Some social media posts also showed blood-red, smoke-filled skies. Bushfire-affected areas can reach a temperature of up to 100 degrees, killing anybody within that region even before the flames reach them. Evacuation on the beach at #batemansbay @abcnews pic.twitter.com/qZzOJcOKz1 — Alastair Prior (@alastairprior) December 31, 2019 × The ocean is the "last resort option" as per Victoria's emergency management agency. In New South Wales coast too, similar warnings were made that many "dangerous" fires are spreading rapidly and people in the region should take shelter on beaches if necessary. "These fires moved quickly this morning. They pose a serious threat to life. Do not be in their path. Avoid bushland areas. If the path is clear, move to larger towns or beaches to take shelter," New South Wales Rural Fire Service said. (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Australia bushfires: Three feared dead as thousands trapped on burning beach

The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage

How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia

So far, the wildfires have ravaged about 12.35 million acres of land, killing nine people and destroying over 1,000 homes

Australia bushfires: Koalas & Kangaroos undergo partial burns

As wildfires continue to rage in parts of Australia at least three people are feared dead in a small town in the state of New South wales. A huge fire engulfed the area causing widespread devastation and thousands fled to the beaches to escape the flame. #BushFires #AustraliaushFires #Australia

Bushfires ravage Australia, At least 100 fires still not contained

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