Severe Bushfires Devastate New South Wales and Tasmania
Destruction in New South Wales
On December 6, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) reported significant damage due to bushfires in the state, with numerous homes lost to the flames, as highlighted by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
This announcement followed a live broadcast from a news helicopter, which captured footage of at least six homes engulfed by fire along Nimbin Road, close to Koolewong.
An emergency warning was issued by NSW RFS for Nimbin Road as the fire advanced southward behind Glenrock Parade towards Lara Street.
"Residents in the vicinity of Nimbin Road, Glenrock Parade, Lara St, and Nimala Ave should evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so towards Woy Woy," the agency advised.
Koolewong, located on the Central Coast of NSW, is approximately an hour's drive from Sydney's central business district. Additionally, train services on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line were suspended due to the fire's proximity to the tracks.
Later, another emergency alert was issued for the Baerami, Baerami Creek, Widden, Yarrawa, and Kerrabee regions, where a large bushfire was reported. These areas are situated over 200 km northwest of Sydney.
Authorities warned residents in these regions that it was too late to evacuate and advised them to take shelter in a sturdy building.
Emergency in Tasmania
On the same day, officials in Tasmania urged residents near Hobart to evacuate due to a dangerous bushfire threatening lives.
The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) issued a warning just before 2 p.m. local time, advising those in Glenlusk, located 12 km northwest of Hobart's center, to leave immediately.
The TFS indicated that an uncontrolled bushfire was advancing towards Glenlusk, posing a serious risk to life and property.
"Thick smoke and falling embers are anticipated, which could ignite fires in the vicinity," the TFS cautioned.
For those unable to evacuate safely, residents were instructed to find shelter in a solid structure, a large open area, or a stationary vehicle in a clear space to shield themselves from the fire and heat.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported maximum temperatures surpassing 30 degrees Celsius and wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h in the Hobart region.