Australia is on high alert due to multiple active wildfires across the country. Bushfires continue to burn in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. 

Bushfires in Australia are often due to extremely high temperatures, low relative humidity, strong winds, lightning strikes, climate change, or human activity that includes deliberate arson or carelessness.

BLACK SUMMER: 

The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season claimed the lives of over 500 people; around 6,000 homes and 24.3 million hectares of land were destroyed. Close to one billion animals were killed. Four years after the horrific Black Summer, the early start of wildfire season this year is likely to be a warning that there might be another disaster in the upcoming months. 

ACTIVE FIRES:

Large fires have started since September that might possibly last until 2024. Around 420 bushfires in Queensland and 130 in NSW have been fought by firefighters in just the last seven days alone. Temperatures reportedly exceeded 42 degrees Celsius. In Tara, two people were killed while two others died in NSW due to the fires. Around 11,000 hectares and close to 40 homes were destroyed in Tara over four days. Residents were evacuated. Dry lightning due to overnight storms on 26 October triggered five new fires across Queensland. As of 30 October, around 70 bushfires remained active in the state. 

On 31 October, emergency warnings were issued for residents at Dalveen, Tara, Montrose North, Wieambilla, The Gums, Kinkuna, and Goodwood in Queensland. Residents at Wallangarra Township were also advised to seek shelter immediately. A one-kilometer exclusion zone was established near a fire at Ulan Road, NSW due to its proximity to an explosive storage facility. According to the chief of the Queensland Rural Fire Brigade Association Justin Choveaux, Queensland is experiencing its worst fire season in seventy years.

ONGOING FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS:

Efforts are underway to contain the wildfires. High temperatures and strong winds deter firefighting operations. South Australia’s Country Fire Service (CFS) advises vacationers, campers, and travellers to make sure they are well-equipped to handle any bushfire dangers as the hot and dry summer approaches.

Visit the official websites of Fire and Emergency Services to learn more about active fires across the country. Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid travel to the affected region. If travelling in the affected areas, wear facemasks or other respiratory protective equipment to avoid inhalation of any smoke present. In case a wildfire breaks out, ensure evacuation from high-risk regions and plan accommodation to ensure shelter and other essential services. Persons with pre-existing heart and lung conditions should remain indoors, if possible until air quality improves.

Stay connect with Sitata and download our app if you’re travelling in/to Australia to get instant updates of your surroundings to avoid any travel mishaps. Our travel insurance can assist you proactively in case of any travel emergencies.

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