Sydney, one of the world's first major cities to welcome each New Year with a public countdown featuring a fireworks display over its well-known Opera House, banned large gatherings that night amid an outbreak of the coronavirus, officials said on on Monday (December 28).

Sydney told to watch its famous New Year's Eve fireworks from home

The Australian city of Sydney - famous for its New Year countdown each year will welcome 2021 silently, as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the region. Sydney is one of the world's first major cities to welcome a new year, but with a ban on large gatherings in place - only mellow gatherings are allowed.

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After COVID-19 cases surged again starting mid-December, about a quarter-million people have been ordered to stay indoors till January 9. New year fireworks in Sydney are famous around the world, with the Opera House witnessing hordes of tourists every year.

Over the last few weeks, the number of cases in the beach suburbs has grown to 125 cases, after five new cases were recorded on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-long-covid-symptoms-may-include-stench-of-fish-and-burning-352863" hreflang="en">New 'long COVID' symptoms may include stench of fish and burning</a>

Earlier, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian had banned people from coming into Sydney's downtown area, with outdoor gatherings limited to 50 people.

"We don't want to create any super-spreading events on New Year's Eve, which then ruins it for everybody across the state moving forward," Berejiklian said during a news conference.

Berejiklian added that the safest way to watch the fireworks was from home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-tells-us-this-wont-be-last-pandemic-says-who-chief-on-coronavirus-352865" hreflang="en">History tells us this won't be last pandemic, says WHO chief on coronavirus</a> 
 
"On New Year's Eve we don't want any crowds on the foreshore around Sydney whatsoever," she said.

Residents possessing permits for hospitality venues will be allowed to come on New Year's Eve, with households across Sydney being allowed to host 10 people. 
 
15 notices in Sydney have been commissioned so far by NSW police for breaking public health orders since December 24.

"I would say to those people half contemplating doing anything stupid in the next few days, forget it," New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

The Australian city of Sydney - famous for its New Year countdown each year will welcome 2021 silently, as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the region.

The Australian city of Sydney - famous for its New Year countdown each year will welcome 2021 silently, as coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the region. Sydney is one of the world's first major cities to welcome a new year, but with a ban on large gatherings in place - only mellow gatherings are allowed. After COVID-19 cases surged again starting mid-December, about a quarter-million people have been ordered to stay indoors till January 9. New year fireworks in Sydney are famous around the world, with the Opera House witnessing hordes of tourists every year. Over the last few weeks, the number of cases in the beach suburbs has grown to 125 cases, after five new cases were recorded on Monday. Also read: New 'long COVID' symptoms may include stench of fish and burning Earlier, New South Wales (NSW) Premier Gladys Berejiklian had banned people from coming into Sydney's downtown area, with outdoor gatherings limited to 50 people. "We don't want to create any super-spreading events on New Year's Eve, which then ruins it for everybody across the state moving forward," Berejiklian said during a news conference. Berejiklian added that the safest way to watch the fireworks was from home. Also read: History tells us this won't be last pandemic, says WHO chief on coronavirus "On New Year's Eve we don't want any crowds on the foreshore around Sydney whatsoever," she said. Residents possessing permits for hospitality venues will be allowed to come on New Year's Eve, with households across Sydney being allowed to host 10 people. 15 notices in Sydney have been commissioned so far by NSW police for breaking public health orders since December 24. "I would say to those people half contemplating doing anything stupid in the next few days, forget it," New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

Sydney to welcome 2021 with its signature fireworks, but no people

Parts of Sydney headed into a lockdown on Saturday as officials said they hoped the restrictions to be enough for control of a growing outbreak before Christmas.

Residents were ordered to stay at home from late Saturday until Wednesday midnight, other than for essential reasons. The cluster of cases on Sydney's northern beaches grew to 38.

"We're hoping that will give us sufficient time to get on top of the virus so that we can then ease up for Christmas and the New Year," said Gladys Berejiklian, the state premier of New South Wales of which Sydney is the capital.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-covid-vaccine-gets-go-ahead-in-switzerland-350989">Pfizer COVID vaccine gets go-ahead in Switzerland</a>

Hundreds of thousands of people in several suburbs were to be forced indoors with beaches, pubs and hotels closed.

Although the restrictions -- which will be enforced by police -- only apply to the northern beaches, Berejiklian pleaded with Sydney's more than five million residents to stay home as much as possible over the coming days.

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"Can I please ask everybody to abandon non-essential activity," she told local media on Saturday. "We don't want the virus to spread outside of the northern beaches."

Sydney to Hobart boat race was cancelled for the first time in its history on Saturday owing to lockdown regulations.

Parts of Sydney headed into a lockdown on Saturday as officials said they hoped the restrictions to be enough for control of a growing outbreak before Christmas.

Parts of Sydney headed into a lockdown on Saturday as officials said they hoped the restrictions to be enough for control of a growing outbreak before Christmas. Residents were ordered to stay at home from late Saturday until Wednesday midnight, other than for essential reasons. The cluster of cases on Sydney's northern beaches grew to 38. "We're hoping that will give us sufficient time to get on top of the virus so that we can then ease up for Christmas and the New Year," said Gladys Berejiklian, the state premier of New South Wales of which Sydney is the capital. Also Read | Pfizer COVID vaccine gets go-ahead in Switzerland Hundreds of thousands of people in several suburbs were to be forced indoors with beaches, pubs and hotels closed. Although the restrictions -- which will be enforced by police -- only apply to the northern beaches, Berejiklian pleaded with Sydney's more than five million residents to stay home as much as possible over the coming days. × "Can I please ask everybody to abandon non-essential activity," she told local media on Saturday. "We don't want the virus to spread outside of the northern beaches." Sydney to Hobart boat race was cancelled for the first time in its history on Saturday owing to lockdown regulations.

Australia battles virus as lockdown in Sydney torments residents ahead of Christmas

Mountains of sea foam covered coastlines along Australia's eastern seaboard as cyclonic winds and unprecedented weather conditions bear down on the coast.

Severe wet weather continues for 5th day; Gold Coast hit with dangerous strong winds

Sydney Sixers put up an enthralling performance with both bat and ball against Melbourne Renegades to pull off the "biggest victory" in the Big Bash League (BBL) history. The team secured a 145-run win over their opponents here on Sunday.

Josh Philippe led the charge with the bat, breaking his own record for the highest BBL score by a Sixers player during a scintillating knock of 95 off 57 balls, which included nine fours and three sixes.

Apart from Philippe, Jordan Silk scored unbeaten 45 runs off just 19 deliveries as Sydney Sixers racked up a total of 205 runs after being asked to bat first.

After setting a mammoth target for Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Sixers dominated their opponents with the ball as well, ending their innings in just the 11th over when they had just 60 runs on the board.

Ben Dwarshuis was the chief destroyer with the ball, finishing with career-best figures of 4/13 off 2.4 overs. Steve O`Keefe chimed in with 3/16 from 3 overs, while Carlos Brathwaite picked up 2/12.

"The biggest victory in the history of the BBL. Massive effort from the @SixersBBL #BBL10," BBL wrote on Twitter. "The BIGGEST winning margin in @BBL history!" Sydney Sixers tweeted. The Sixers now have a six-day break before returning to action when they face the Adelaide Strikers at Blundstone Arena next Sunday.&nbsp;

Sydney Sixers put up an enthralling performance with both bat and ball against Melbourne Renegades to pull off the "biggest victory" in the Big Bash League (BBL) history.

Sydney Sixers put up an enthralling performance with both bat and ball against Melbourne Renegades to pull off the "biggest victory" in the Big Bash League (BBL) history. The team secured a 145-run win over their opponents here on Sunday. Josh Philippe led the charge with the bat, breaking his own record for the highest BBL score by a Sixers player during a scintillating knock of 95 off 57 balls, which included nine fours and three sixes. Apart from Philippe, Jordan Silk scored unbeaten 45 runs off just 19 deliveries as Sydney Sixers racked up a total of 205 runs after being asked to bat first. After setting a mammoth target for Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Sixers dominated their opponents with the ball as well, ending their innings in just the 11th over when they had just 60 runs on the board. Ben Dwarshuis was the chief destroyer with the ball, finishing with career-best figures of 4/13 off 2.4 overs. Steve O`Keefe chimed in with 3/16 from 3 overs, while Carlos Brathwaite picked up 2/12. "The biggest victory in the history of the BBL. Massive effort from the @SixersBBL #BBL10," BBL wrote on Twitter. "The BIGGEST winning margin in @BBL history!" Sydney Sixers tweeted. The Sixers now have a six-day break before returning to action when they face the Adelaide Strikers at Blundstone Arena next Sunday.

Sydney Sixers thrash Melbourne Renegades to claim ''biggest victory'' in BBL history

Australian police arrested on Wednesday an 18-year man who had allegedly expressed interest in committing a mass causality attack, motivated by right-wing ideology.

Your Story: Australian police arrest Neo-Nazi teen in Sydney

Sydney recorded its hottest November night as Australia's largest city suffered through a weekend heatwave that saw daytime temperatures peak above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The overnight temperature did not drop below 25.3 degrees Celsius Saturday into Sunday in central Sydney, according to the meteorology bureau, making it the hottest November night since records began.

The temperature had already hit a scorching 30 degrees Celsius by 4:30 am Sunday, before reaching above 40 degrees for the second consecutive day.

"New South Wales is in the midst of a severe heatwave with very warm conditions already being experienced yesterday, and today being a repeat of some of those conditions," said the Bureau of Meteorology's Agata Imielska.

Daytime records for November fell elsewhere in Australia's southeast, with the outback towns of Griffith and Mildura reaching 43.2 and 45.7 degrees Celsius respectively on Saturday.

The heatwave saw bans on lighting fires imposed across large swathes of New South Wales (NSW) state, which was badly hit by catastrophic bushfires during the last southern hemisphere summer.

A number of blazes broke out Sunday, including one on Sydney's western outskirts that the NSW Fire and Rescue Service said damaged a property.

More than 60 bushfires were still burning across the state, but most had been brought under control by firefighters as a southerly wind change led to a rapid drop in temperatures.

It was the first burst of significant bushfire activity since the devastating 2019-2020 fires, which burned an area roughly the size of the United Kingdom and left 33 people dead as tens of thousands fled their homes.

The fire season also killed or displaced nearly three billion animals and cost the economy an estimated US$7 billion.

The latest heatwave comes just two weeks after government scientists warned the fossil-fuel reliant country should brace for worse to come, predicting climate change will continue to exacerbate bushfires, droughts and cyclones in Australia.

Conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has repeatedly played down the link between climate change and the bushfires, and has committed to keeping Australia as one of the world's leading fossil fuel exporters.

But Australians are increasingly concerned about climate change, with a recent poll by Sydney's Lowy Institute showing almost 90 percent believing it is a critical or important threat.

Sydney recorded its hottest November night as Australia's largest city suffered through a weekend heatwave that saw daytime temperatures peak above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Sydney recorded its hottest November night as Australia's largest city suffered through a weekend heatwave that saw daytime temperatures peak above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The overnight temperature did not drop below 25.3 degrees Celsius Saturday into Sunday in central Sydney, according to the meteorology bureau, making it the hottest November night since records began. The temperature had already hit a scorching 30 degrees Celsius by 4:30 am Sunday, before reaching above 40 degrees for the second consecutive day. "New South Wales is in the midst of a severe heatwave with very warm conditions already being experienced yesterday, and today being a repeat of some of those conditions," said the Bureau of Meteorology's Agata Imielska. Daytime records for November fell elsewhere in Australia's southeast, with the outback towns of Griffith and Mildura reaching 43.2 and 45.7 degrees Celsius respectively on Saturday. The heatwave saw bans on lighting fires imposed across large swathes of New South Wales (NSW) state, which was badly hit by catastrophic bushfires during the last southern hemisphere summer. A number of blazes broke out Sunday, including one on Sydney's western outskirts that the NSW Fire and Rescue Service said damaged a property. More than 60 bushfires were still burning across the state, but most had been brought under control by firefighters as a southerly wind change led to a rapid drop in temperatures. It was the first burst of significant bushfire activity since the devastating 2019-2020 fires, which burned an area roughly the size of the United Kingdom and left 33 people dead as tens of thousands fled their homes. The fire season also killed or displaced nearly three billion animals and cost the economy an estimated US$7 billion. The latest heatwave comes just two weeks after government scientists warned the fossil-fuel reliant country should brace for worse to come, predicting climate change will continue to exacerbate bushfires, droughts and cyclones in Australia. Conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has repeatedly played down the link between climate change and the bushfires, and has committed to keeping Australia as one of the world's leading fossil fuel exporters. But Australians are increasingly concerned about climate change, with a recent poll by Sydney's Lowy Institute showing almost 90 percent believing it is a critical or important threat.

Sydney records hottest November night as heatwave sweeps city

Indian players have been fined 20 per cent of their match fees for taking more than the allotted time for bowling their overs during the first ODI against hosts Australia on Friday in Sydney.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-vaughan-feels-indias-old-school-tactics-might-cost-them-in-all-formats-346043" hreflang="en">Michael Vaughan feels India's 'old school' tactics might cost them in all formats</a>

Match referee David Boon penalised Virat and Co. after the team was found one over short of their target in the stipulated time. The referee penalised the team after the conclusion of the match.&nbsp;

"Kohli pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-kohlis-absence-will-be-a-huge-setback-for-india-sanjay-manjrekar-346028" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS- 'Kohli's absence will be a huge setback for India': Sanjay Manjrekar</a>

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday.&nbsp;

Skipper Virat Kohli blamed India's poor fielding during the match. The team dropped some significant catches that could have changed the course of the game.&nbsp;

Due to poor fielding and bowling effort, Australia posed their highest ODI total against India by putting 374/6 on the board.

Indian players have been fined 20 per cent of their match fees for taking more than the allotted time for bowling their overs during the first ODI against hosts Australia on Friday in Sydney.

Indian players have been fined 20 per cent of their match fees for taking more than the allotted time for bowling their overs during the first ODI against hosts Australia on Friday in Sydney. Also read: Michael Vaughan feels India's 'old school' tactics might cost them in all formats Match referee David Boon penalised Virat and Co. after the team was found one over short of their target in the stipulated time. The referee penalised the team after the conclusion of the match. "Kohli pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said in a statement. Also read: IND vs AUS- 'Kohli's absence will be a huge setback for India': Sanjay Manjrekar Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Skipper Virat Kohli blamed India's poor fielding during the match. The team dropped some significant catches that could have changed the course of the game. Due to poor fielding and bowling effort, Australia posed their highest ODI total against India by putting 374/6 on the board.

IND vs AUS: Virat and Co. fined 20% of match fee for slow over rate in Sydney

Australia's New Year fireworks show over Sydney Harbour will go ahead, but the number of people at popular viewing spots will be limited to avoid the spread of COVID-19, the country's most populous state declared on Monday (November 9).

Australia gives go-ahead to scale down New Year's Eve celebrations

When he was sent to Darwin to "man the radar" in 1942, Lindsay Dufty was just an 18-year-old soldier. Shortly after he arrived, 240 Japanese aircraft bombed the port city in two raids on February 19, killing 240 civilians as well as Australian and U.S. service personnel. The Japanese sank eight ships in the harbour, according to Australian government records. Dufty, now 97, remembers seeing the Japanese pilots' faces as they bombed the city, the first ever enemy attack over Australian soil.

"We could see the pilots... grinning": WW2 veteran recalls Japanese bombing of Darwin 

Thousands of protesters gathered in Sydney on Sunday (July 5), shouting slogans in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and aiming to raise awareness of the mistreatment of indigenous people in police custody.

Thousands attend Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney

The incident happened yesterday, when prison guards responded to a disturbance that broke out in the exercise yard.

BLM Protest: Tear gas fired into prison yard of Sydney's Long Bay jail

11 participants take part in a three-day intermediate course near Ku-ring-gai National Park, Ingleside, north of Sydney. While the Bushcraft Survival Australia course teaches basic survival skills, it also offers wisdom and insight into traditional indigenous cultures.

Pandemic drives Australians into the bush to study survivalist skills

Weeks after the famous Sydney Film Festival was called off due to growing health concerns around the coronavirus, its organisers on Monday announced that the latest edition of the festival will be a digital one. 
 
The organisers had earlier announced that the next edition of the festival will be held in 2021.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/worlds-biggest-film-festivals-including-indias-mami-come-together-for-we-are-one-online-film-fest-295203" hreflang="en">World's biggest film festivals, including India's MAMI, come together for 'We Are One' online film fest</a> 
 
According to news agency, the online edition of the festival will run from June 10 to June 21 and will include world premieres of several films and documentaries from Australian filmmakers. It will also include films of female directors from Europe. 
 
A series of prize events will also be organised as a part of the festival including the Dendy Awards for the Australian Short Films, and others.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/oprah-winfrey-julia-roberts-and-more-to-take-part-in-the-call-to-unite-online-global-event-295284" hreflang="en">Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and more to take part in 'The Call to Unite' online global event</a> 
 
"This year`s special 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition and Awards is all about bringing audiences across the nation together at a particularly challenging time in celebration of filmmakers and particularly the Australian film industry," Variety quoted the Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley as saying. 
 
All the important information related to the sale of tickets will be unveiled on May 27.&nbsp;

Weeks after the famous Sydney Film Festival was called off due to growing health concerns around the coronavirus, its organisers on Monday announced that the latest edition of the festival will be a digital one.

Weeks after the famous Sydney Film Festival was called off due to growing health concerns around the coronavirus, its organisers on Monday announced that the latest edition of the festival will be a digital one. The organisers had earlier announced that the next edition of the festival will be held in 2021. Also read: World's biggest film festivals, including India's MAMI, come together for 'We Are One' online film fest According to news agency, the online edition of the festival will run from June 10 to June 21 and will include world premieres of several films and documentaries from Australian filmmakers. It will also include films of female directors from Europe. A series of prize events will also be organised as a part of the festival including the Dendy Awards for the Australian Short Films, and others. Also read: Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and more to take part in 'The Call to Unite' online global event "This year`s special 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition and Awards is all about bringing audiences across the nation together at a particularly challenging time in celebration of filmmakers and particularly the Australian film industry," Variety quoted the Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley as saying. All the important information related to the sale of tickets will be unveiled on May 27.

Sydney Film Festival's latest edition to be an online event

Huge waves and foam have swept away an estimated 50 meters of beach in Sydney after a storm brought rain and deluge to the city on Monday

Waves sweep up to the foot of beachside homes as storms bring deluge to bushfire-stricken New South Wales

Australia was praying for rainfall over the weekend's scorching heat sparked massive bushfires, when the rains arrived they poured with such intensity causing floods in most parts of New South Wales including in Sydney.

Australia: After bushfire fury, now rain woes

Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires. Nearly 2000 houses have been destroyed.

As the damage assessment begins, donations have poured in from across the globe.

Also see:&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>

Australian cricketing legends Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne have decided to temporarily come out of retirement and play a fund-raiser T20 match called the 'Bushfire Cricket Bash'. 
 
The star-studded match is going to be played as a curtain-raiser to the Big Bash League's finals which will be held on February 8. Looking at the points table where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../melbourne-stars-marcus-stoinis-becomes- highest-run-getter-in-big-bash-league-after-smashing-147-runs-against-sixe...">Melbourne Stars</a> and Sydney Sixers are trying to book the top spot, predictions are that the final could be played in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bushfire-shane-warnes-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-over-a1-million-273347">Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman</a>

Shane Warne's baggy green cap broke records, he took to twitter to thank his bidder.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-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>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1215413839614763008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;These big grounds are likely to attract a massive crowd. The two teams will be led by Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne. The venue will be confirmed on January 31 after the confirmation of the Top Two finalists. 
 
It is not the first time Cricket Australia has worked for a cause, in a Boxing Day tsunami charity match in January 2005 that attracted a crowd of 70,101 to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they&nbsp;raised A$14.5 million. 
 
The unpredictable fire rage has burnt more than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land and continues to spread despite volunteer firefighters stepping in.&nbsp;Australia's economy has faced a major setback.

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'The Bushfire Cricket Bash' is going to feature players like Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Alex Blackwell, and Micheal Clarke. Steve Waugh and Mel Jones will be involved but in a non-playing capacity. 
 
Alex Blackwell had&nbsp;just retired months ago from the Women's Big Bash League. 
 
Australia’s women’s team will begin the day with a T20I clash against India at the Junction Oval, this contest will be followed by the Bushfire Cricket Bash, and then Big Bash League finals will be played. 
 
“It is going to be a huge and special day. It’s nice to be part of it,” Ponting told reporters on Sunday.

Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires.

Australia is going through one of it's worst bushfires in decades, the human death toll reached to 24 now, and it is said that a staggering number of 500 million animals have died due to these fires. Nearly 2000 houses have been destroyed. As the damage assessment begins, donations have poured in from across the globe. Also see: Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage Australian cricketing legends Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne have decided to temporarily come out of retirement and play a fund-raiser T20 match called the 'Bushfire Cricket Bash'. The star-studded match is going to be played as a curtain-raiser to the Big Bash League's finals which will be held on February 8. Looking at the points table where Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers are trying to book the top spot, predictions are that the final could be played in Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Also read: Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman Shane Warne's baggy green cap broke records, he took to twitter to thank his bidder. 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 × These big grounds are likely to attract a massive crowd. The two teams will be led by Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne. The venue will be confirmed on January 31 after the confirmation of the Top Two finalists. It is not the first time Cricket Australia has worked for a cause, in a Boxing Day tsunami charity match in January 2005 that attracted a crowd of 70,101 to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they raised A$14.5 million. The unpredictable fire rage has burnt more than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land and continues to spread despite volunteer firefighters stepping in. Australia's economy has faced a major setback. × 'The Bushfire Cricket Bash' is going to feature players like Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Alex Blackwell, and Micheal Clarke. Steve Waugh and Mel Jones will be involved but in a non-playing capacity. Alex Blackwell had just retired months ago from the Women's Big Bash League. Australia’s women’s team will begin the day with a T20I clash against India at the Junction Oval, this contest will be followed by the Bushfire Cricket Bash, and then Big Bash League finals will be played. “It is going to be a huge and special day. It’s nice to be part of it,” Ponting told reporters on Sunday.

Bushfire Cricket Bash: Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne to come out of retirement to raise funds

The firefighters and volunteers in Australia were given tribute for their efforts in battling against the raging fires across states in Australia. Opera House was illuminated by images of some firefighters who are battling against raging fires in Australia. #WION #Sydney #OperaHouse #AustraliaBushfires

Sydney pays tribute to firefighters by illuminating images on Opera House

Authorities issued new warnings and evacuation notices across southeast Australia on Thursday, as a return of hot weather fanned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-from-australia-bushfires-reaches-brazil-272837">huge bushfires</a> threatening several towns and communities.

A disaster level notice in large parts of Victoria state, already in place for the past week, was extended by 48 hours and people in danger zones were advised to leave if it was safe to do so.

"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.

"These fires are absolutely still moving, still growing in our landscape and they pose significant risk to communities," Neville said.

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.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8e48e029-e762-4dc3-87ed-b3c8c6ccf912" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bushfire.jpg" />

Authorities have said the blazes will continue to burn, posing extreme danger at times of high temperatures and winds, until the country experiences significant rainfall.

The official weather agency on Thursday confirmed fears that there was no sign of that happening in the next few months as it released its annual report, which also showed that 2019 was Australia's hottest and driest year on record.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-over-10000-camels-to-be-culled-in-a-bid-to-save-water-273033">Australia: Over 10,000 camels to be culled in a bid to save water</a>

The current crisis was sparked into life following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires.

Many towns were without power and telecommunications and some were running low on drinking water supplies. Smoke has blanketed Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, and drifted as far as South America.

Parts of Kangaroo Island, a wildlife-rich tourist spot off the country's southeast coast where Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday made a plea for foreign tourists not to be deterred by the fires, were again evacuated on Thursday. A third of the island has already been destroyed by fires.

The following are some highlights of what is happening in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-over-180-people-arrested-for-blaze-related-crimes-deliberately-starting-fire-272914">bushfire</a> crisis:

- Victoria state officials said "strike teams" of firefighters were being sent into high-risk areas, but new blazes could start anywhere given a forecast for extreme heat and potential lightning strikes. Officials credit the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in recent weeks with keeping the death toll from the fires low.

<img alt="Australia bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cecdcb83-1d6c-455c-8201-5c172b0820bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bushfire_0.jpg" />

- New South Wales state on Thursday announced new funds of A$1 billion (£524.51 million) ($686 million) to rebuild infrastructure and communities affected by the bushfire.

- The majority of the fires that have devastated much of Australia's east coast occurred in New South Wales, where 1,870 homes have been destroyed so far, authorities said.

- Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday urged foreign tourists not to be deterred by deadly wildfires, fearing a lack of holiday-makers could hurt the economy. Some normally crowded resorts have already turned into ghost towns.

- Moody's Analytics said the cost of the fires could easily surpass that of the deadly 2009 Black Saturday fires that destroyed 450,000 hectares of land, which cost an estimated A$4.4 billion.

- Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

- 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.

- The fires have already emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and produced harmful pollutants, the EU's Copernicus monitoring programme said.

- Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the UN&nbsp;World Meteorological Organization said.

Authorities issued new warnings and evacuation notices across southeast Australia on Thursday, as a return of hot weather fanned huge bushfires threatening several towns and communities.

Authorities issued new warnings and evacuation notices across southeast Australia on Thursday, as a return of hot weather fanned huge bushfires threatening several towns and communities. A disaster level notice in large parts of Victoria state, already in place for the past week, was extended by 48 hours and people in danger zones were advised to leave if it was safe to do so. "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. "These fires are absolutely still moving, still growing in our landscape and they pose significant risk to communities," Neville said. 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. Authorities have said the blazes will continue to burn, posing extreme danger at times of high temperatures and winds, until the country experiences significant rainfall. The official weather agency on Thursday confirmed fears that there was no sign of that happening in the next few months as it released its annual report, which also showed that 2019 was Australia's hottest and driest year on record. Also read: Australia: Over 10,000 camels to be culled in a bid to save water The current crisis was sparked into life following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires. Many towns were without power and telecommunications and some were running low on drinking water supplies. Smoke has blanketed Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, and drifted as far as South America. Parts of Kangaroo Island, a wildlife-rich tourist spot off the country's southeast coast where Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday made a plea for foreign tourists not to be deterred by the fires, were again evacuated on Thursday. A third of the island has already been destroyed by fires. The following are some highlights of what is happening in the bushfire crisis: - Victoria state officials said "strike teams" of firefighters were being sent into high-risk areas, but new blazes could start anywhere given a forecast for extreme heat and potential lightning strikes. Officials credit the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in recent weeks with keeping the death toll from the fires low. - New South Wales state on Thursday announced new funds of A$1 billion (£524.51 million) ($686 million) to rebuild infrastructure and communities affected by the bushfire. - The majority of the fires that have devastated much of Australia's east coast occurred in New South Wales, where 1,870 homes have been destroyed so far, authorities said. - Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday urged foreign tourists not to be deterred by deadly wildfires, fearing a lack of holiday-makers could hurt the economy. Some normally crowded resorts have already turned into ghost towns. - Moody's Analytics said the cost of the fires could easily surpass that of the deadly 2009 Black Saturday fires that destroyed 450,000 hectares of land, which cost an estimated A$4.4 billion. - Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. - 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. - The fires have already emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and produced harmful pollutants, the EU's Copernicus monitoring programme said. - Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the UN World Meteorological Organization said.

Australia issues new evacuation alerts as monster bushfires regenerate

Australian firefighters used a break from searing temperatures on Tuesday to strengthen containment lines around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">huge wildfires</a> as the financial and environmental costs of the crisis mounted.

More than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land an area the size of South Korea - have been razed by bushfires across the country in recent weeks, according to the latest data, with the southeast particularly hard hit.

Imagery posted online from the Himawari 8 Japanese satellite and NASA's Earth Observatory showed plumes of smoke from the fires reaching as far as South America.

Firefighters on the ground were making the most of a few days of cooler temperatures in the southeast to prepare for the expected return of heat and wind later this week that is expected to fan existing blazes and spark new ones.

"We need to remain vigilant," Andrew Crisp, Victoria state's emergency management commissioner, told reporters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-celebrity-chris-hemsworth-donates-1million-to-australia-wildfire-272741">Hollywood celebrity Chris Hemsworth donates $1million to Australia wildfire</a>

"We talk about benign conditions, and the fire is suppressed, but it is still there. It is still tinder dry."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everythings-just-gone-weve-got-nothing-aish-australian-bushfire-victim-272566">Australia's bushfire</a> season started earlier than normal this year following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires.

Thousands of people have been left homeless, while many in rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water. Military-coordinated rescue and support efforts are going on.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the crisis would have a significant economic impact as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg met chief executives of insurers Insurance Australia Group, Suncorp Group and QBE Insurance Group, and local heads of Germany's Allianz and Switzerland's Zurich Insurance Group, plus heads of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Group.

Morrison on Monday pledged A$2 billion ($1.39 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate for damage claims from the fires to more than A$700 million, with claims expected to jump when more fire-hit areas are accessible.

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Following are some highlights of what is happening in the Australian bushfires crisis:

- Two men reported missing in New South Wales have been found, police said.

- Forty-eight US&nbsp;firefighters are scheduled to arrive in Australia on Wednesday, officials said, joining 39 compatriots already on the ground. A further 18 incident management personnel from the United States and Canada will arrive on Wednesday.

- Prime Minister Morrison said he spoke with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Tuesday, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also offered support.

- Morrison attended the funeral of volunteer firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, who was killed along with colleague Geoffrey Keaton on Dec. 19 after a burnt tree fell in the path of their firetruck, causing it to roll.

- Data showed the fires were beginning to have an effect on the economy. The ANZ gauge of consumer confidence fell last week to its lowest level in more than four years, while its job advertisement data recorded the biggest monthly drop in seven months in December.

- The military was deployed to help bury an estimated 4,000 dead sheep and cattle.

- Authorities said the number of people calling for urgent medical care in Victoria jumped 51 per cent on Monday as smoke covered the state.

- There were 132 fires ablaze across New South Wales state, but all were back at the "advice" level, the lowest alert rating.

- Victoria state had 39 fires with 13 "watch and act" alerts.

- Almost 1,600 homes have been destroyed in NSW, Australia's most populous state, authorities said. In Victoria state, authorities believe 300 homes have been destroyed.

- Insurers have received 8,985 bushfire-related claims in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland since the Insurance Council declared a bushfire catastrophe on Nov. 8. The claims are estimated to have a loss value of A$700 million. The council recorded the destruction of 1,838 residential properties.

- A member of parliament from Morrison's party was criticised for an appearance on the "Good Morning Britain" ITV program during which he said there was no link between climate change and the bushfire crisis. "There is no link, the facts that cause the fires are the drought and the drying of the environment," lawmaker Craig Kelly said.

Australian firefighters used a break from searing temperatures on Tuesday to strengthen containment lines around huge wildfires as the financial and environmental costs of the crisis mounted.

Australian firefighters used a break from searing temperatures on Tuesday to strengthen containment lines around huge wildfires as the financial and environmental costs of the crisis mounted. More than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land an area the size of South Korea - have been razed by bushfires across the country in recent weeks, according to the latest data, with the southeast particularly hard hit. Imagery posted online from the Himawari 8 Japanese satellite and NASA's Earth Observatory showed plumes of smoke from the fires reaching as far as South America. Firefighters on the ground were making the most of a few days of cooler temperatures in the southeast to prepare for the expected return of heat and wind later this week that is expected to fan existing blazes and spark new ones. "We need to remain vigilant," Andrew Crisp, Victoria state's emergency management commissioner, told reporters. Also read: Hollywood celebrity Chris Hemsworth donates $1million to Australia wildfire "We talk about benign conditions, and the fire is suppressed, but it is still there. It is still tinder dry." Australia's bushfire season started earlier than normal this year following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires. Thousands of people have been left homeless, while many in rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water. Military-coordinated rescue and support efforts are going on. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the crisis would have a significant economic impact as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg met chief executives of insurers Insurance Australia Group, Suncorp Group and QBE Insurance Group, and local heads of Germany's Allianz and Switzerland's Zurich Insurance Group, plus heads of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Group. Morrison on Monday pledged A$2 billion ($1.39 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate for damage claims from the fires to more than A$700 million, with claims expected to jump when more fire-hit areas are accessible. × Following are some highlights of what is happening in the Australian bushfires crisis: - Two men reported missing in New South Wales have been found, police said. - Forty-eight US firefighters are scheduled to arrive in Australia on Wednesday, officials said, joining 39 compatriots already on the ground. A further 18 incident management personnel from the United States and Canada will arrive on Wednesday. - Prime Minister Morrison said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also offered support. - Morrison attended the funeral of volunteer firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, who was killed along with colleague Geoffrey Keaton on Dec. 19 after a burnt tree fell in the path of their firetruck, causing it to roll. - Data showed the fires were beginning to have an effect on the economy. The ANZ gauge of consumer confidence fell last week to its lowest level in more than four years, while its job advertisement data recorded the biggest monthly drop in seven months in December. - The military was deployed to help bury an estimated 4,000 dead sheep and cattle. - Authorities said the number of people calling for urgent medical care in Victoria jumped 51 per cent on Monday as smoke covered the state. - There were 132 fires ablaze across New South Wales state, but all were back at the "advice" level, the lowest alert rating. - Victoria state had 39 fires with 13 "watch and act" alerts. - Almost 1,600 homes have been destroyed in NSW, Australia's most populous state, authorities said. In Victoria state, authorities believe 300 homes have been destroyed. - Insurers have received 8,985 bushfire-related claims in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland since the Insurance Council declared a bushfire catastrophe on Nov. 8. The claims are estimated to have a loss value of A$700 million. The council recorded the destruction of 1,838 residential properties. - A member of parliament from Morrison's party was criticised for an appearance on the "Good Morning Britain" ITV program during which he said there was no link between climate change and the bushfire crisis. "There is no link, the facts that cause the fires are the drought and the drying of the environment," lawmaker Craig Kelly said.

Australia strengthens bushfire defences as economic, environmental costs mount

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 07, 2020

Fire threats eased in parts of southeastern Australia on Sunday after a horror day of blazes that killed one man and injured four firefighters, but authorities warned several fires were still burning at emergency levels and hot weather was set to return.

As the immediate danger passed and cooler weather tempered the intensity of many fires, authorities began assessing the damage from Saturday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuelled-by-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds-australian-bushfires-continues-rage-272114">wildfires</a> that swept across eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales (NSW) states.

Tens of thousands of homes were without power on Sunday as a large-scale military and police effort continued to provide supplies and evacuate people who have been trapped for days by the fires in coastal towns.

Initial estimates put damaged or destroyed properties in the hundreds, but authorities said mass evacuations by residents of at-risk areas appear to have prevented major loss of life.

"It was an awful day yesterday. It was a very difficult day yesterday," NSW Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said on Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-developing-their-own-weather-systems-authorities-272116">Australian wildfires developing their own 'weather systems': Authorities</a>

A southerly wind late on Saturday helped bring temperatures down from highs above 40 C (104F) and light rain was forecast in some coastal areas in coming days, but officials said that would not be enough to bring the almost 200 fires still burning under control.

Fitzsimmons said the next major flashpoint would come later in the week, but it was too early to gauge the likely severity of the threat.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the immediate focus was on helping people who had lost their homes as well containing the fires still burning.

"The weather activity we're seeing, the extent and spread of the fires, the speed at which they're going, the way in which they are attacking communities who have never ever seen fire before is unprecedented," Berejiklian said.

Australia has been battling blazes across much of its east coast for months, with experts saying climate change has been a major factor in a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland tinder-dry and susceptible to fires.
<img alt="australia bushfire" data-caption="A resident uses a garden hose to wet down the house as high winds push smoke and ash from the Currowan Fire towards Nowra, New South Wales, Australia January 4, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44452f14-6372-42c7-ab83-aad12b4ea08a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020.01.05T013153Z_3_LYNXMPEG030PW_RTROPTP_4_AUSTRALIA.BUSHFIRES.jpg" />
Following are highlights of what is happening across Australia:

- The death of a 47-year old man who was defending a friend's rural property in NSW took the national toll this season to 24.

- In the Southern Highlands region south of Sydney, a new fire was burning out of control after the winds helped drive an existing blaze to jump the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo rivers.

- Another fire near the southern coastal town of Eden was at Emergency level, and the ABC reported police have warned people should leave for evacuation centres.

- Five fires in Victoria had Evacuate Now or Emergency Level warnings.

- NSW Premier Berejiklian says there is no one unaccounted for in NSW; Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews says six people remain unaccounted for in Victoria.

- The federal government has 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.

- RFS Commissioner Fitzsimmons criticised the government for not informing him of its policy proposal, saying he found out about it from the media and it created confusion on one of the busiest days ever for fighting fires. "I was disappointed and I was frustrated in the middle of what was one of our worst days ever on record with massive dislocation and movement of people and a focus on really difficult weather," Fitzsimmons said.

- Prime Minister Scott Morrison faced criticism for a video he posted on social media outlining how the government is tackling the fires. Morrison has been under sustained attack handling of the crisis after he jetted out for a family holiday in Hawaii. He apologised and returned early but was heckled and snubbed when he toured fire-hit regions in recent days.

- More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season.&nbsp;

Fire threats eased in parts of southeastern Australia on Sunday after a horror day of blazes that killed one man and injured four firefighters, but authorities warned several fires were still burning at emergency levels and hot weather was set to return.

Fire threats eased in parts of southeastern Australia on Sunday after a horror day of blazes that killed one man and injured four firefighters, but authorities warned several fires were still burning at emergency levels and hot weather was set to return. As the immediate danger passed and cooler weather tempered the intensity of many fires, authorities began assessing the damage from Saturday's wildfires that swept across eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales (NSW) states. Tens of thousands of homes were without power on Sunday as a large-scale military and police effort continued to provide supplies and evacuate people who have been trapped for days by the fires in coastal towns. Initial estimates put damaged or destroyed properties in the hundreds, but authorities said mass evacuations by residents of at-risk areas appear to have prevented major loss of life. "It was an awful day yesterday. It was a very difficult day yesterday," NSW Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said on Sunday. Also read: Australian wildfires developing their own 'weather systems': Authorities A southerly wind late on Saturday helped bring temperatures down from highs above 40 C (104F) and light rain was forecast in some coastal areas in coming days, but officials said that would not be enough to bring the almost 200 fires still burning under control. Fitzsimmons said the next major flashpoint would come later in the week, but it was too early to gauge the likely severity of the threat. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the immediate focus was on helping people who had lost their homes as well containing the fires still burning. "The weather activity we're seeing, the extent and spread of the fires, the speed at which they're going, the way in which they are attacking communities who have never ever seen fire before is unprecedented," Berejiklian said. Australia has been battling blazes across much of its east coast for months, with experts saying climate change has been a major factor in a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland tinder-dry and susceptible to fires. Following are highlights of what is happening across Australia: - The death of a 47-year old man who was defending a friend's rural property in NSW took the national toll this season to 24. - In the Southern Highlands region south of Sydney, a new fire was burning out of control after the winds helped drive an existing blaze to jump the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo rivers. - Another fire near the southern coastal town of Eden was at Emergency level, and the ABC reported police have warned people should leave for evacuation centres. - Five fires in Victoria had Evacuate Now or Emergency Level warnings. - NSW Premier Berejiklian says there is no one unaccounted for in NSW; Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews says six people remain unaccounted for in Victoria. - The federal government has 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. - RFS Commissioner Fitzsimmons criticised the government for not informing him of its policy proposal, saying he found out about it from the media and it created confusion on one of the busiest days ever for fighting fires. "I was disappointed and I was frustrated in the middle of what was one of our worst days ever on record with massive dislocation and movement of people and a focus on really difficult weather," Fitzsimmons said. - Prime Minister Scott Morrison faced criticism for a video he posted on social media outlining how the government is tackling the fires. Morrison has been under sustained attack handling of the crisis after he jetted out for a family holiday in Hawaii. He apologised and returned early but was heckled and snubbed when he toured fire-hit regions in recent days. - More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season.

Australian firefighters get brief reprieve as death toll rises

<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

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.

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"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>
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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.

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"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

How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia

More than 250,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Sydney fireworks to be scrapped, with funding redirected to drought and bushfire relief. #AustraliaBushfire #Australia #Sydney #WION

Australia Bushfires: Over 50,000 Sq Km of land consumed by fire

Australian officials have refused to back petition signed by 270,000 people that seeks to cancel Sydney's famous fireworks on New Year's Eve.&nbsp;

Change.org petition said that Sydney is spending Aus$6.5 million ($4.5 million) on fireworks and claimed that the money could be better used to support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-of-tourists-at-risk-as-massive-bushfires-continue-270914">volunteer firefighters </a>and farmers suffering through a brutal drought.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-nsw-imposes-ban-over-fireworks-for-new-years-eve-270943/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It added that fireworks display on Sydney Harbour "may traumatise some people" as enough smoke is already present in the air.&nbsp;

We appreciate the concerns of the opposition to the fireworks due to bushfires but cancelling the celebration would have "little practical benefit for affected communities", a City of Sydney spokesperson said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We began preparations and planning for the NYE celebrations 15 months ago. This means most of the budget, largely used for crowd safety and cleaning measures, has already been spent," the spokesman said.

"Cancelling the event would seriously hurt Sydney businesses. It would also ruin plans for tens of thousands of people from across the country and overseas who have booked flights, hotels and restaurants for New Year's Eve."

"All states should say NO to FIREWORKS," the petition said.&nbsp;

Sydney and other major Australian cities are covered in toxic smoke due to bushfires for weeks.&nbsp;

At least 10 people have been killed from this year's season massive bushfires, which have been fuelled by droughts and climate change.&nbsp;

Thousands of tourists, residents of Australian state Victoria are risked of being stranded after the officials asked them to evacuate as state's seven districts have a forecast of extreme fire danger.&nbsp;

The bushfires have destroyed over 1,000 homes and scorched more than three million hectares (7.4 million acres) -- an area bigger than Belgium.

Australian officials have refused to back petition signed by 270,000 people that seeks to cancel Sydney's famous fireworks on New Year's Eve. Change.org petition said that Sydney is spending Aus$6.

Australian officials have refused to back petition signed by 270,000 people that seeks to cancel Sydney's famous fireworks on New Year's Eve. Change.org petition said that Sydney is spending Aus$6.5 million ($4.5 million) on fireworks and claimed that the money could be better used to support volunteer firefighters and farmers suffering through a brutal drought. Watch: It added that fireworks display on Sydney Harbour "may traumatise some people" as enough smoke is already present in the air. We appreciate the concerns of the opposition to the fireworks due to bushfires but cancelling the celebration would have "little practical benefit for affected communities", a City of Sydney spokesperson said in a statement. "We began preparations and planning for the NYE celebrations 15 months ago. This means most of the budget, largely used for crowd safety and cleaning measures, has already been spent," the spokesman said. "Cancelling the event would seriously hurt Sydney businesses. It would also ruin plans for tens of thousands of people from across the country and overseas who have booked flights, hotels and restaurants for New Year's Eve." "All states should say NO to FIREWORKS," the petition said. Sydney and other major Australian cities are covered in toxic smoke due to bushfires for weeks. At least 10 people have been killed from this year's season massive bushfires, which have been fuelled by droughts and climate change. Thousands of tourists, residents of Australian state Victoria are risked of being stranded after the officials asked them to evacuate as state's seven districts have a forecast of extreme fire danger. The bushfires have destroyed over 1,000 homes and scorched more than three million hectares (7.4 million acres) -- an area bigger than Belgium.

Sydney to continue New Year Eve's fireworks despite massive protest petition

Thousands of holidaymakers and residents risked being stranded in a swathe of Victoria in Australia's southeast as rising temperature and new heatwave continue to fuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">bushfires</a>.&nbsp;

The authorities earlier asked more than 30,000 people to evacuate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-holidaymakers-urged-to-leave-australian-region-as-fire-conditions-worsen-270824">Victoria state's popular East Gippsland region </a>on Sunday, adding that soaring temperatures and gusting wings would trigger three large blazes, cutting off the last major road still open.

The residents and tourists in the area faced being stranded as it now "too late to leave", Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said. The Victoria Emergency Management said that it was "not possible" to provide aid to all the visitors in that area.&nbsp;

<img alt="Bushfire " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21c872c7-efc3-4e68-8ab7-ba1de628e4a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2847%29_0.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In state's seven out of the nine districts, fire danger is forecast to be extreme.&nbsp;

Neighbouring South Australia is witnessing "catastrophic" fire conditions in some regions as temperatures cross the 40 degrees Celsius-mark and storms bring damaging winds.&nbsp;

The Country Fire Service's Brenton Eden warned that it would be a very "dangerous" day for people in the state, with lightning causing a number of blazes.&nbsp;

New South Wales, which is the worst-affected state in Australia, is also likely to experience deteriorating conditions in the next two days as over 100 fires are burning in the region which includes 40 uncontained.&nbsp;

The temperatures in New South Wales are also expected to climb on New year's eve as thousands traditionally gather near Sydney to watch famous firework celebrations.&nbsp;

So far, 10 people have been killed in season's bushfires, which destroyed 1,000 homes and burned over three million hectares (7.4 million acres) an area bigger than Belgium.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b4ea10b5-3178-4d91-b637-77b0e9183be1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2846%29_1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hundreds of fires are burning across Australia, which is experiencing a devastating summer bushfire season triggered by a prolonged drought and climate change.

The bushfires have made Sydney and other major cities experience toxic smoke for weeks.&nbsp;

This bushfire season is regarded as one of the toughest due to its size and geographical breadth, despite the southern hemisphere summer not reaching its mid-point yet.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5ca798c-b35d-46b3-9f01-43875cb0a44b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2848%29_0.jpg" />

The conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has still continued his relentless support to Australia's flourishing mining industry and refused to take further action to cut down emissions.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Thousands of holidaymakers and residents risked being stranded in a swathe of Victoria in Australia's southeast as rising temperature and new heatwave continue to fuel bushfires.

Thousands of holidaymakers and residents risked being stranded in a swathe of Victoria in Australia's southeast as rising temperature and new heatwave continue to fuel bushfires. The authorities earlier asked more than 30,000 people to evacuate Victoria state's popular East Gippsland region on Sunday, adding that soaring temperatures and gusting wings would trigger three large blazes, cutting off the last major road still open. The residents and tourists in the area faced being stranded as it now "too late to leave", Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said. The Victoria Emergency Management said that it was "not possible" to provide aid to all the visitors in that area. In state's seven out of the nine districts, fire danger is forecast to be extreme. Neighbouring South Australia is witnessing "catastrophic" fire conditions in some regions as temperatures cross the 40 degrees Celsius-mark and storms bring damaging winds. The Country Fire Service's Brenton Eden warned that it would be a very "dangerous" day for people in the state, with lightning causing a number of blazes. New South Wales, which is the worst-affected state in Australia, is also likely to experience deteriorating conditions in the next two days as over 100 fires are burning in the region which includes 40 uncontained. The temperatures in New South Wales are also expected to climb on New year's eve as thousands traditionally gather near Sydney to watch famous firework celebrations. So far, 10 people have been killed in season's bushfires, which destroyed 1,000 homes and burned over three million hectares (7.4 million acres) an area bigger than Belgium. Hundreds of fires are burning across Australia, which is experiencing a devastating summer bushfire season triggered by a prolonged drought and climate change. The bushfires have made Sydney and other major cities experience toxic smoke for weeks. This bushfire season is regarded as one of the toughest due to its size and geographical breadth, despite the southern hemisphere summer not reaching its mid-point yet. The conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has still continued his relentless support to Australia's flourishing mining industry and refused to take further action to cut down emissions. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Australia: Nearly 30,000 tourists at risk as massive bushfires continue

Residents and holidaymakers in part of the Australian state of Victoria were urged to leave on Sunday ahead of what is expected to be a day of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-of-small-australian-communities-told-to-evacuate-as-fire-approaches-270749">extreme fire danger</a>.

Authorities said temperatures of more than 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), strong winds, thunderstorms and a wind change moving across the state meant Monday would be one of the most significant fire weather days in Victoria's history.

State Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp told both residents and tens of thousands of holidaymakers in the East Gippsland region to leave no later than Monday morning.

"What we are saying now, based on the conditions that will be confronting us tomorrow across the state, but in particular in East Gippsland, is that if you're holidaying in that part of the state, it's time that you left," Crisp said at a media conference on Sunday.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Australian PM announces compensation for volunteer fire-fighters

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"We are asking you to now leave East Gippsland from that area east of Bairnsdale," Crisp said, referring to a city 280 km (174 miles) east of Melbourne.

"You should not be there tomorrow and we want you to get out now."

Earlier on Sunday, organisers of a music festival in the state cancelled the event, citing the extreme weather expected on Monday.

"After consultation with local and regional fire authorities and other emergency stakeholders, it is clear that we have no other option," the organisers wrote on Facebook.

The event was meant to run until New Year's Eve and some 9,000 people were already camping on site when the announcement was made.

The state of New South Wales (NSW) is also facing severe fire conditions over coming days, with temperatures expecting to peak on Tuesday.

"We've got some deteriorating weather conditions over the coming days, particularly Monday and worsening through to Tuesday," said the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons.

'Very prolonged'&nbsp;

The federal government said on Sunday it would compensate volunteer firefighters in NSW as they grappled with the intensity of this year's bushfire season.

Prime Minister Scott <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-announces-compensation-for-volunteer-firefighters-270788">Morrison said payments</a> of up to A$6,000 would be available for eligible firefighters who had spent more than 10 days in the field this fire season.

"As this is a very prolonged fire season, this is putting additional demands on our firefighters," Morrison told a news conference.

"It means that the turn-outs and the call-outs have been far more extensive than in previous years, going well and beyond and above what is normally expected of those who are engaged in volunteer service."

Morrison had previously said compensation for volunteers was not a priority, but he has faced increasing political pressure as the widespread fires burn.

On Tuesday, he announced government workers could get additional paid leave for volunteering.

While there are different rules across Australia's states, volunteers tend to negotiate time off directly with their employer.

Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes.

Residents and holidaymakers in part of the Australian state of Victoria were urged to leave on Sunday ahead of what is expected to be a day of extreme fire danger.

Residents and holidaymakers in part of the Australian state of Victoria were urged to leave on Sunday ahead of what is expected to be a day of extreme fire danger. Authorities said temperatures of more than 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), strong winds, thunderstorms and a wind change moving across the state meant Monday would be one of the most significant fire weather days in Victoria's history. State Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp told both residents and tens of thousands of holidaymakers in the East Gippsland region to leave no later than Monday morning. "What we are saying now, based on the conditions that will be confronting us tomorrow across the state, but in particular in East Gippsland, is that if you're holidaying in that part of the state, it's time that you left," Crisp said at a media conference on Sunday. Also Watch: Australian PM announces compensation for volunteer fire-fighters × "We are asking you to now leave East Gippsland from that area east of Bairnsdale," Crisp said, referring to a city 280 km (174 miles) east of Melbourne. "You should not be there tomorrow and we want you to get out now." Earlier on Sunday, organisers of a music festival in the state cancelled the event, citing the extreme weather expected on Monday. "After consultation with local and regional fire authorities and other emergency stakeholders, it is clear that we have no other option," the organisers wrote on Facebook. The event was meant to run until New Year's Eve and some 9,000 people were already camping on site when the announcement was made. The state of New South Wales (NSW) is also facing severe fire conditions over coming days, with temperatures expecting to peak on Tuesday. "We've got some deteriorating weather conditions over the coming days, particularly Monday and worsening through to Tuesday," said the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons. 'Very prolonged' The federal government said on Sunday it would compensate volunteer firefighters in NSW as they grappled with the intensity of this year's bushfire season. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said payments of up to A$6,000 would be available for eligible firefighters who had spent more than 10 days in the field this fire season. "As this is a very prolonged fire season, this is putting additional demands on our firefighters," Morrison told a news conference. "It means that the turn-outs and the call-outs have been far more extensive than in previous years, going well and beyond and above what is normally expected of those who are engaged in volunteer service." Morrison had previously said compensation for volunteers was not a priority, but he has faced increasing political pressure as the widespread fires burn. On Tuesday, he announced government workers could get additional paid leave for volunteering. While there are different rules across Australia's states, volunteers tend to negotiate time off directly with their employer. Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes.

Residents, holidaymakers urged to leave Australian region as fire conditions worsen

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