Australian states battle blaze as temperatures soar

By Anadolu staff

Firefighters in the Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania are battling fire in several places as authorities asked people to leave affected areas, local media said on Thursday.

Local authorities in Victoria said they had warned people living in Bayindeen, Buangor, Glenlogie, Middle Creek, and Mount Cole to leave immediately as the fire is spreading in surrounding areas.

State Control Centre spokesperson Luke Hegarty said that blaze was spreading due to extreme weather.

"Fire is certainly building up a bit of steam based on the very hot weather and the strong winds that we're experiencing at the moment," ABC News quoted Hegarty as saying.

So far no casualties have been reported from any part of affected areas in the state.

On the island of Tasmania, local government also issued a bushfire emergency warning to residents and urged them to seek shelter now.

"An uncontrolled bushfire at Dee Community and surrounds is expected to put lives in danger and may destroy homes," said a statement posted on Tasmania alert website.

It added that firefighters are responding to multiple bushfires across southern Tasmania and that at some places, including Bradys Lake in the Central Highlands, the fire is out of control.

“We have about 20 aircraft, as well as 12 crews from Sustainable Timber Tasmania, and 10 Tasmania Fire Service crews on the ground trying to contain the fire,” said Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe.

“The fire remains uncontained, and crews are dealing with tough conditions amid strong gusty winds and dry vegetation,” he added.

Authorities also closed roads toward the affected areas and urged people to avoid them as the weather is not forecast to ease until later this evening.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid