Australian Bushfire Season Has Started
Lightning from from recent storms and temperatures in excess of 40°C [96°F] have sparked fires across southern Australia and the island of Tasmania.
The ABC reports that Fire-weary residents too terrified to sleep
As bushfires burn across three states and temperatures soar past 40 degrees in areas with catastrophic fire warnings, some residents say they are too afraid to let down their guard.
Dozens of fires are burning in the north and central west of New South Wales and on Sydney’s northern outskirts.
Two homes are on fire in New South Wales – one at Castle Cove on Sydney’s north shore and at Campbelltown, in Sydney’s south-west.
The NSW Fire Brigade believes the homes may have caught fire after being struck by lightning.
Superintendent Ian Krimmer from the Fire Brigade says fire crews are on the scene and there are no reports of any injuries.
Five blazes are still causing concern at Inverell, Narrabri in the Hawkesbury region and two at Glen Innes.
The El Niño effect that reduces the Atlantic hurricane season produces hot and dry summers in Australia. It is going to be a long and tough fire season.
