<p>Exhausted firefighters said they had finally brought Australia's largest "mega blaze" under control Monday, as wet weather promised to deliver much-needed respite for countryside ravaged by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-as-bushfires-continue-to-rage-one-more-firefighter-dies-2-others-injured-271059">bushfires</a>.</p>

<p><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> firefighters said they finally had the upper hand in the fight against the vast c fire on Sydney's northwestern outskirts, which has been burning out of control for almost three months.</p>

<p>Visiting the area on Monday, New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Shane Fitzsimmons</a> said there was a "small area of burning still to complete" but the "containment prognosis looks promising."</p>

<p>The fire seared an area of the national park three times the size of Greater London and lit several connected blazes totaling over 800,000 hectares&nbsp;an area larger than Austria.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Australian bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdbeee10-171b-42c3-9a67-3dc94e020509" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_12.jpg" /></p>

<p>As residents and authorities continued to come to grips with the sheer scale of the devastation, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast some fire grounds could get up to 50 millimeters (two inches) of rain in the next week, a relief after a prolonged drought.</p>

<p>If that forecast bears out, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service said, "then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed."</p>

<p>Dozens of other fires are yet to be controlled.</p>

<p>The climate-change-fuelled fires have prompted an international outpouring and donations from around the world to help communities and animal populations.</p>

<p>Australia's unique flora and fauna have taken a catastrophic hit, with an estimated one billion animals killed, and countless trees and shrubs burned away.</p>

<p>The country's environment minister Sussan Ley has warned that in some areas, koalas may have to be reclassified as endangered.</p>

<p>This weekend, Sydney will host a star-studded charity gig to benefit fire services, the Red Cross and animal welfare organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Headliners include Alice Cooper, Olivia Newton-John and Queen.</p>

<p><img alt="Australian bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c48f21cd-d04b-4cdc-bcaf-8b219ca88da8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_11.jpg" /></p>

<p>The political impact of the crisis is also coming into sharper relief.</p>

<p>A poll released Monday showed Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-scott-morrison-to-visit-india-in-january-269023">Scott Morrison</a>'s approval ratings have nosedived in the face of widespread anger over his handling of the deadly crisis.</p>

<p>The Newspoll survey showed 59 percent of Australian voters are dissatisfied with the conservative leader's performance overall, and only 37 percent were satisfied, an abrupt reversal since his shock election win last May.</p>

<p>Morrison has been criticised heavily for his response to the months-long crisis -- which included going on holiday to Hawaii, making a series of gaffes and misleading statements about his government's actions, and forcing angry victims to shake his hand.</p>

<p>Morrison began the crisis insisting local authorities had enough resources to handle the fires and exhausted volunteers firefighters "want to be there".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also repeatedly stated that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-new-warnings-issued-by-authorities-with-rekindled-bushfire-273230">Australia</a> was doing more than enough to meet its emission reduction targets, prompting a series of large-scale street protests.</p>

<p>Seeing a backlash, Morrison has since deployed the military, launched the largest peacetime call up of reserves, pledged billions of dollars in aid, increased payments to firefighters, and suggested more work may need to be done on emissions.</p>


Exhausted firefighters said they had finally brought Australia's largest "mega blaze" under control Monday, as wet weather promised to deliver much-needed respite for countryside ravaged by bushfires.

Exhausted firefighters said they had finally brought Australia's largest "mega blaze" under control Monday, as wet weather promised to deliver much-needed respite for countryside ravaged by bushfires. New South Wales firefighters said they finally had the upper hand in the fight against the vast c fire on Sydney's northwestern outskirts, which has been burning out of control for almost three months. Visiting the area on Monday, New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said there was a "small area of burning still to complete" but the "containment prognosis looks promising." The fire seared an area of the national park three times the size of Greater London and lit several connected blazes totaling over 800,000 hectares an area larger than Austria. As residents and authorities continued to come to grips with the sheer scale of the devastation, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast some fire grounds could get up to 50 millimeters (two inches) of rain in the next week, a relief after a prolonged drought. If that forecast bears out, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service said, "then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed." Dozens of other fires are yet to be controlled. The climate-change-fuelled fires have prompted an international outpouring and donations from around the world to help communities and animal populations. Australia's unique flora and fauna have taken a catastrophic hit, with an estimated one billion animals killed, and countless trees and shrubs burned away. The country's environment minister Sussan Ley has warned that in some areas, koalas may have to be reclassified as endangered. This weekend, Sydney will host a star-studded charity gig to benefit fire services, the Red Cross and animal welfare organisations. Headliners include Alice Cooper, Olivia Newton-John and Queen. The political impact of the crisis is also coming into sharper relief. A poll released Monday showed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval ratings have nosedived in the face of widespread anger over his handling of the deadly crisis. The Newspoll survey showed 59 percent of Australian voters are dissatisfied with the conservative leader's performance overall, and only 37 percent were satisfied, an abrupt reversal since his shock election win last May. Morrison has been criticised heavily for his response to the months-long crisis -- which included going on holiday to Hawaii, making a series of gaffes and misleading statements about his government's actions, and forcing angry victims to shake his hand. Morrison began the crisis insisting local authorities had enough resources to handle the fires and exhausted volunteers firefighters "want to be there". He also repeatedly stated that Australia was doing more than enough to meet its emission reduction targets, prompting a series of large-scale street protests. Seeing a backlash, Morrison has since deployed the military, launched the largest peacetime call up of reserves, pledged billions of dollars in aid, increased payments to firefighters, and suggested more work may need to be done on emissions.

Australian 'megablaze' brought under control

<p>Former Australian leg-spinner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shane-warne-hired-to-coach-lords-based-london-team-in-the-hundred-241877">Shane Warne</a>&nbsp;in his social media account announced that his 'baggy green cap' which was up for auction fetched more than a $1 million Australian dollars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The amount will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery&nbsp;Fund&nbsp;to help fight the Australian wildfires rampaging New South Wales and Victoria.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please bid here <a href="https://t.co/kZMhGkmcxs">https://t.co/kZMhGkmcxs</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZhpeWQxqY7">pic.twitter.com/ZhpeWQxqY7</a></p>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1214034590592929792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The auctions opened on January 5 and closed today. The cap went for more than one million Australian dollars, with bidding closing at A$1,007,500 to a user by the name 'M.C. from Sydney', as per sources.</p>

<p>The funds will enable the Red Cross to support those affected by the horrific wildfires which have&nbsp;ravaged Australia.</p>

<p>“Thank you so much to everyone that placed a bid and a huge thank you/congrats to the successful bidder – you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations!” Warne posted on social media. “The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid &amp; a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/vyVcA7NfGs">pic.twitter.com/vyVcA7NfGs</a></p>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1215413839614763008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Recently, authorities issued new warnings and evacuation notices across southeast Australia, as a return of hot weather fanned&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-from-australia-bushfires-reaches-brazil-272837">huge bushfires</a>&nbsp;threatening several towns and communities.</p>

<p>"Don't get complacent from the rain we have had recently," Victoria Emergency Services Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-new-warnings-issued-by-authorities-with-rekindled-bushfire-273230">Lisa Neville</a> said in a televised briefing, referring to several days of cool weather that has allowed firefighters to strengthen containment lines around blazes that have been burning for months.</p>

<p>Twenty-six people have died, thousands have been made homeless and thousands of others have had to evacuate repeatedly as the monster fires have scorched through more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land - an area the size of South Korea.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Australia fires show no sign of stopping, new warnings issued by authorities</strong></p>

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<p>Formula One's star champion Lewis Hamilton has also stood&nbsp;by the cause by donating&nbsp;A$500,000 to Australian Fire Service and Animal Rescue Services.</p>

<p>Scientists say that the massive fires which do not show any sign of reducing have already killed over 50 million animals.&nbsp;However, ecologists at the University of Sydney on Wednesday doubled their estimate of the number of animals killed or injured in the fires to 1 billion.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-issues-new-evacuation-alerts-as-monster-bushfires-regenerate-273065">Australia issues new evacuation alerts as monster bushfires regenerate</a></strong></p>

<p>The whopping price at which the baggy green cap was sold (A$1,007,500) beats all former records of auctioning&nbsp;personal items sold by cricketers.</p>

<p>The new list puts Shane Warne's cap at pole position, followed by Don Bradman's Test cap at A$323,000, and then Mahendra Singh Dhoni's cricket bat&nbsp;at A$190,000.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dhoni-may-retire-from-odis-soon-ravi-shastri-273336">MS Dhoni</a> had put up his 2011 World Cup bat for auction to raise funds for his wife's charity - the Sakshi Foundation, which works for underprivileged children in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other cricketers from the Big Bash League have also pledged to extend their support by donating towards fighting the bushfires, among whom are Chris Lynn and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-auction-cummins-maxwell-hetmyer-star-in-big-splash-269228">Glenn Maxwell</a>.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love it Lynny!!<br />
I’ll match you on $250 per six I hit in this years BBL. Great cause which is helping so many people around the country who are doing it tough right now. 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/hcJea0B6hh">https://t.co/hcJea0B6hh</a></p>
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gmaxi_32/status/1212881748058525696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country," Lynn tweeted.</p>


Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne in his social media account announced that his 'baggy green cap' which was up for auction fetched more than a $1 million Australian dollars.

Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne in his social media account announced that his 'baggy green cap' which was up for auction fetched more than a $1 million Australian dollars. The amount will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund to help fight the Australian wildfires rampaging New South Wales and Victoria. Please bid here https://t.co/kZMhGkmcxs pic.twitter.com/ZhpeWQxqY7 — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 6, 2020 × The auctions opened on January 5 and closed today. The cap went for more than one million Australian dollars, with bidding closing at A$1,007,500 to a user by the name 'M.C. from Sydney', as per sources. The funds will enable the Red Cross to support those affected by the horrific wildfires which have ravaged Australia. “Thank you so much to everyone that placed a bid and a huge thank you/congrats to the successful bidder – you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations!” Warne posted on social media. “The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vyVcA7NfGs — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 9, 2020 × Recently, authorities issued new warnings and evacuation notices across southeast Australia, as a return of hot weather fanned huge bushfires threatening several towns and communities. "Don't get complacent from the rain we have had recently," Victoria Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said in a televised briefing, referring to several days of cool weather that has allowed firefighters to strengthen containment lines around blazes that have been burning for months. Twenty-six people have died, thousands have been made homeless and thousands of others have had to evacuate repeatedly as the monster fires have scorched through more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land - an area the size of South Korea. Watch: Australia fires show no sign of stopping, new warnings issued by authorities × Formula One's star champion Lewis Hamilton has also stood by the cause by donating A$500,000 to Australian Fire Service and Animal Rescue Services. Scientists say that the massive fires which do not show any sign of reducing have already killed over 50 million animals. However, ecologists at the University of Sydney on Wednesday doubled their estimate of the number of animals killed or injured in the fires to 1 billion. Also Read: Australia issues new evacuation alerts as monster bushfires regenerate The whopping price at which the baggy green cap was sold (A$1,007,500) beats all former records of auctioning personal items sold by cricketers. The new list puts Shane Warne's cap at pole position, followed by Don Bradman's Test cap at A$323,000, and then Mahendra Singh Dhoni's cricket bat at A$190,000. MS Dhoni had put up his 2011 World Cup bat for auction to raise funds for his wife's charity - the Sakshi Foundation, which works for underprivileged children in India. Other cricketers from the Big Bash League have also pledged to extend their support by donating towards fighting the bushfires, among whom are Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell. Love it Lynny!! I’ll match you on $250 per six I hit in this years BBL. Great cause which is helping so many people around the country who are doing it tough right now. 🙏 https://t.co/hcJea0B6hh — Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) January 2, 2020 × "It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country," Lynn tweeted.

Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman

<p>Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has&nbsp;ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria. According to reports, the bushfires have wiped&nbsp;out 480 million&nbsp;animals, killing at least 25&nbsp;people.&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>With temperatures rising due to the bushfires, forecasters fear more&nbsp;fires are expected which is likely to form a new “mega blaze”&nbsp;along the New South Wales border.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The cloud of smoke caused by the wildfires was spotted as far as in Chile and Argentina.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>An estimated $485.59 million or more will be required to cover the damage caused by the catastrophic bushfires, as per the reports of Insurance Council of Australia.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently instituted ''National Bushfire Recovery Agency''.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>An insured loss of $375 million has been estimated as 5,850 fire-related insurance claims have been lodged since early November last year.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>PM Scott Morrison is set to meet insurance and bank executives to discuss the ongoing crisis.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency</strong></p>

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<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">Australian bushfires: 2,000 homes destroyed; military buries 4,000 animals to prevent diseases</a></p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-update-authorities-race-to-reopen-blocked-roads-evacuate-people-272450">Australia bushfires update: Authorities race to reopen blocked roads, evacuate people</a></p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everythings-just-gone-weve-got-nothing-aish-australian-bushfire-victim-272566">'Everything's just gone, we’ve got nothing': Australian bushfire victim</a></p>

<p>(With Inputs from AFP)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria.

Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria. According to reports, the bushfires have wiped out 480 million animals, killing at least 25 people. With temperatures rising due to the bushfires, forecasters fear more fires are expected which is likely to form a new “mega blaze” along the New South Wales border. The cloud of smoke caused by the wildfires was spotted as far as in Chile and Argentina. An estimated $485.59 million or more will be required to cover the damage caused by the catastrophic bushfires, as per the reports of Insurance Council of Australia. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently instituted ''National Bushfire Recovery Agency''. An insured loss of $375 million has been estimated as 5,850 fire-related insurance claims have been lodged since early November last year. PM Scott Morrison is set to meet insurance and bank executives to discuss the ongoing crisis. Watch: Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency × Read More: Australian bushfires: 2,000 homes destroyed; military buries 4,000 animals to prevent diseases Read More: Australia bushfires update: Authorities race to reopen blocked roads, evacuate people Read More: 'Everything's just gone, we’ve got nothing': Australian bushfire victim (With Inputs from AFP)

Australia bushfires update: Forecasters fear 'mega blaze' along New South Wales

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australian-military-brings-aid-to-fire-stricken-communities-in-victoria-state-271727/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The latest spate of fires, which raced towards the coast this week&nbsp;has already destroyed over 200 homes.</p>

<p>As the situation in Australia worsened, the government deployed military ships and helicopters to rescue thousands trapped in the blazes.</p>

<p>Navy ships brought water, food and fuel to Mallacoota town where supplies have been mostly depleted and roads cut off by the fires.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The fires in Australia continue to be fanned by soaring temperatures and winds as columns of fire and smoke have engulfed several towns.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>"Widespread extreme fire danger is forecast for the South Coast on Saturday," the advisory said, adding, "these will be dangerous conditions, the same or worse than New Year's Eve." The message exhorted tourists not to visit the south coast over the weekend as it wasn't safe, sternly warning: "do not be in this area on Saturday".</p>

<p>According to Antti Lipponen, physicist and research scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the thick smoke observed on January 1 was "about 5,490, 000 km" which he said was "larger than the area of EU and more than 14 times the area of Japan."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Huge <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smoke?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smoke</a> plume from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> 🇦🇺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bushfires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bushfires</a> observed today (1 Jan 2020). The area of thick smoke is about 5 490 000 km² (≈2 119 700 sq. miles). For comparison, that is larger than the area of EU and more than 14 times the area of Japan! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWFires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWFires</a><br />
🎞: <a href="https://t.co/Ng6VBIiWXm">https://t.co/Ng6VBIiWXm</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZwmPbsIQCx">pic.twitter.com/ZwmPbsIQCx</a></p>
— Antti Lipponen (@anttilip) <a href="https://twitter.com/anttilip/status/1212379313498132480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tourists have been given 48 hours to evacuate as the government called in the military to help in rescue operations.</p>

<p>The Australian defence force said five military helicopters and two naval ships were on the way to the south coast to ensure supply of essentials materials.</p>

<p>The weather forecasters have warned the heatwave conditions would bring gusting winds with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>In Mallacoota in Victoria, at least &nbsp;4,000 people have been stranded on the beach even as massive fire rage with roads in and out of the town blocked leaving only the sea route as a way out for those stuck on the beachfront.</p>

<p>The police advised police not to make plans to holiday in the south coast, "particularly in the general area from Batemans Bay to the Victorian border."</p>

<p>"It is vital, critical," New South Wales transport minister Andrew Constance said, adding, "We need everybody to leave. We are going to face a worse day on Saturday than what we have been through."Huge bushfires have been burning for weeks across Australia, with new blazes sparked into life almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions in bushland left tinder dry after a three-year drought."</p>


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.

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. "Widespread extreme fire danger is forecast for the South Coast on Saturday," the advisory said, adding, "these will be dangerous conditions, the same or worse than New Year's Eve." The message exhorted tourists not to visit the south coast over the weekend as it wasn't safe, sternly warning: "do not be in this area on Saturday". According to Antti Lipponen, physicist and research scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the thick smoke observed on January 1 was "about 5,490, 000 km" which he said was "larger than the area of EU and more than 14 times the area of Japan." Huge #smoke plume from #Australia 🇦🇺 #bushfires observed today (1 Jan 2020). The area of thick smoke is about 5 490 000 km² (≈2 119 700 sq. miles). For comparison, that is larger than the area of EU and more than 14 times the area of Japan! #NSWFires 🎞: https://t.co/Ng6VBIiWXm pic.twitter.com/ZwmPbsIQCx — Antti Lipponen (@anttilip) January 1, 2020 × Tourists have been given 48 hours to evacuate as the government called in the military to help in rescue operations. The Australian defence force said five military helicopters and two naval ships were on the way to the south coast to ensure supply of essentials materials. The weather forecasters have warned the heatwave conditions would bring gusting winds with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. In Mallacoota in Victoria, at least 4,000 people have been stranded on the beach even as massive fire rage with roads in and out of the town blocked leaving only the sea route as a way out for those stuck on the beachfront. The police advised police not to make plans to holiday in the south coast, "particularly in the general area from Batemans Bay to the Victorian border." "It is vital, critical," New South Wales transport minister Andrew Constance said, adding, "We need everybody to leave. We are going to face a worse day on Saturday than what we have been through."Huge bushfires have been burning for weeks across Australia, with new blazes sparked into life almost daily by extremely hot and windy conditions in bushland left tinder dry after a three-year drought."

Smoke in Australia bushfire 'larger than area of EU', says scientist

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Australia bushfires: Over 4,000 people trapped in Mallacoota beaches</strong></p>

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<p>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".</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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!"</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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.</p>

<p>Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has faced some criticism for his response to the fires, also attended.</p>

<p>The NSW RFS said on Twitter it had "farewelled one of our own".</p>

<p>Eight people have been killed by wildfires in the eastern states of New South Wales and Victoria since Monday, and 18 are still missing.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>Australian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-visits-firefighters-after-stirring-controversy-for-hawaii-vacation-269526">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> lashed out at "reckless and job-destroying" calls to introduce cuts in coal industry as the country struggles with wildfires.</p>

<p>"I am not going to write off the jobs of thousands of Australians by walking away from traditional industries," PM Morrison told Australia's Seven Network, while reiterating the same line to other news channels.</p>

<p>Australia has been hit by catastrophic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">bushfires across New South Wales</a> with blazes around Sydney burning to emergency levels.</p>

<p>On Saturday, one person was killed due to the fire even as several major roads around Sydney remained shut ahead of Christmas.</p>

<p>"What we won't do is engage in reckless and job-destroying and economy-crunching targets which are being sought," PM Morrison told Australia's Channel 9 amid the wildfire controversy.</p>

<p>Reports said at least hundred fires were still raging across New South Wales last week of which six were characterised as "emergency level" with several thousand emergency personnel working across the state.</p>

<p>Two firefighters had died last week after truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled the fire taking the death toll in New South Wales to eight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, police have warned people not to travel by roads during the day during to soaring temperatures.</p>

<p>In South Australia, authorities said one person was found dead, another was injured and several homes destroyed by a fire in the Adelaide Hills. In Victoria, authorities said 142 fires had started in the state since last Friday, with two burning at an emergency level on Saturday afternoon.</p>


Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison lashed out at "reckless and job-destroying" calls to introduce cuts in coal industry as the country struggles with wildfires.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison lashed out at "reckless and job-destroying" calls to introduce cuts in coal industry as the country struggles with wildfires. "I am not going to write off the jobs of thousands of Australians by walking away from traditional industries," PM Morrison told Australia's Seven Network, while reiterating the same line to other news channels. Australia has been hit by catastrophic bushfires across New South Wales with blazes around Sydney burning to emergency levels. On Saturday, one person was killed due to the fire even as several major roads around Sydney remained shut ahead of Christmas. "What we won't do is engage in reckless and job-destroying and economy-crunching targets which are being sought," PM Morrison told Australia's Channel 9 amid the wildfire controversy. Reports said at least hundred fires were still raging across New South Wales last week of which six were characterised as "emergency level" with several thousand emergency personnel working across the state. Two firefighters had died last week after truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled the fire taking the death toll in New South Wales to eight. Meanwhile, police have warned people not to travel by roads during the day during to soaring temperatures. In South Australia, authorities said one person was found dead, another was injured and several homes destroyed by a fire in the Adelaide Hills. In Victoria, authorities said 142 fires had started in the state since last Friday, with two burning at an emergency level on Saturday afternoon.

Australian PM Scott Morrison hits out at 'reckless' calls to cut coal industry