SAEDNEWS: Dozens of bushfires burned along Australia’s eastern seaboard on Saturday, destroying several houses as a blistering heatwave set in.
More than 50 bushfires were burning across New South Wales on Saturday afternoon, the state’s Rural Fire Service said, though most were considered “under control,” AFP reported.
A fire north of Sydney destroyed six homes, according to national broadcaster ABC, while a smaller blaze on the state’s mid-north coast also claimed a few houses.
In the Goulburn River National Park, one fire had already consumed more than 9,000 hectares (20,000 acres).
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Dean Narramore said hot, dry winds were pushing temperatures across the state close to 40°C.
“This is a dangerous few hours,” he warned.
“Unfortunately, this heat is accompanied by gusty winds, which are fueling these extreme and dangerous fire conditions.”
Bushfires are a familiar hazard during Australia’s summer. On hot, windy days, it is not uncommon for multiple fires to sweep through sparsely populated areas.
