New South Wales Premier, Chris Mins, issued a disturbing forewarning about the looming “horror summer”, indicating the state is lagging in its scheduled hazard reduction burns in anticipation of a severe fire season.
As of early afternoon, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) accounted for 65 wildfires rampaging collectively across New South Wales, with 19 still awaiting containment. The RFS also conveyed that the imminent forecasted winds are predicted to exacerbate existing conditions over time.
The authorities have circulated an “extreme” fire danger alert to the Greater Hunter and Greater Sydney Region, while a “catastrophic” warning – being the highest alert in the fire warning chart, is in circulation in Far South Coast since Tuesday afternoon. Additionally, a complete fire ban has been declared across Sydney, the Hunter, and Upper Central West Plains.
Given the Wednesday forecast for hot, dry, and windy weather conditions, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued an Extreme Fire Danger warning for the Greater Hunter and Greater Sydney Region, until exacerbating conditions are anticipated to diminish with a southerly change initiating lower temperatures on Wednesday night.
In light of the Bureau formally pronouncing an El Nino this summer, Premier Minns expressed heightened concerns over four consecutive days of exceeding 30C temperature fuelling an impending “horror summer”. He acknowledged that New South Wales was delayed in its hazard reduction burns, attributed to nonideal weather conditions over the last winter season.
Premier Minns explicated the necessity for optimal condition checks during a hazard reduction execution, necessitating low wind speed and moderate temperature, despite inherent risks. He encouraged the public to update their fire plans and ensure the readiness of their homes, emphasizing consultation with the RFS, especially in regional areas.
The Premier acknowledged the dedicated and committed work of volunteers in fire-affected areas, however, highlighted the need for community cooperation to navigate the summer period successfully.
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson reminded citizens to seek help from their General practitioner, Beyond Blue, Lifeline or the New South Wales Mental Health Line if they experience distress or anxiety around the looming bushfire crisis or escalating weather events. She shared her dialogue with NSW Health’s mental health department about the heightened distress and anxiety due to increased bushfire alerts in the face of warmer weather and an officially declared El Nino. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to the public’s welfare, she urged those feeling discomfort to use available cognitive health resources.