As Australians gear up for the post-Christmas festivities and the much-anticipated Boxing Day sales and cricket matches, there’s a critical safety message that can’t be ignored. The joy of the holiday season is being tempered by severe fire danger warnings across multiple states, including Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and Western Australia. With millions of residents and travellers planning to move around the country, staying informed and prepared is more important than ever.
The situation is particularly dire as several states entered the week before Christmas battling dangerous blazes or warning of potential outbreaks. New South Wales, for instance, is bracing for hot, dry, and windy conditions that are expected to pose extreme fire danger in Sydney, the Hunter, and other northern parts of the state, prompting total fire bans.
In Victoria and South Australia, authorities are preparing for catastrophic and extreme conditions on Boxing Day. Victorian Country Fire Authority deputy chief officer Garry Cook has urged those travelling to download the VicEmergency App before setting out (available here on Apple’s App Store and here for Android devices). This advice comes as towns and tourism providers in Victoria are already feeling the heat, both literally and figuratively. A massive bushfire in the Grampians National Park has scorched through more than 36,000 hectares, about 20 per cent of the park’s footprint, leading to evacuations and significant economic losses for local businesses.
The Halls Gap Hotel, a popular tourist destination, has closed its doors, and tourism providers are reportedly losing $1.9 million a day in bookings. Residents like Moyston’s Maxine Windram have taken to social media to express their concerns, with some even cancelling family Christmas celebrations due to the extreme heat and fire danger.
While conditions are expected to ease across Victoria in the days following Christmas, catastrophic conditions in the Wimmera and extreme danger in most other districts, including Melbourne, are forecast for Boxing Day. South Australia’s regional areas are anticipating similar threats the day after Christmas.
In Western Australia, firefighters have been battling a blaze that threatened life and property on Perth’s northern outskirts. The fast-moving fire at Two Rocks prompted evacuation warnings but was later brought under control. However, high fire danger is forecast for the region on Monday, with extreme risk predicted in inland parts of the state’s midwest and southwest.
For those planning to travel during this period, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest warnings and advice from local authorities. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Stay Informed: Always check fire warnings in your area before heading out for Boxing Day festivities. This helps ensure you’re aware of any risks, particularly in high-risk regions.
- Use Helpful Apps: Download the VicEmergency App if you’re in Victoria, or similar apps in other states, to receive real-time updates on fire risks and emergency situations.
- Plan Ahead: If you’re traveling, make sure to factor in fire danger warnings into your plans. Avoid high-risk areas and keep an eye on any changes in conditions that may affect your travel.
What’s your go-to safety tip during fire season? Let’s help each other stay informed and prepared by sharing in the comments below.
Also read: How to save on holiday flights: Expert tips for affordable travel
