Fire crews believe man has died

Hobart, Melbourne and Adelaide are all sweltering with temperatures over forty degrees

AUSTRALIA is in the grip of an extreme heatwave with maximums soaring past 40 degrees today - leading to bush fires which destroyed homes in Tasmania.

TASMANIAN police are investigating reports of a death in a huge bushfire in the state's south that has destroyed homes, and damaged a school and an RSL club.

Police say up to 65 buildings could have been damaged or destroyed in the small community of Dunalley, 55 kilometres southeast of Hobart.

Damaged buildings include the local school, the RSL club, a service station and houses, ABC television reported.

Around 15 houses at nearby Boomer Bay could also have been lost as the impact of catastrophic fire conditions in southern Tasmania begins to emerge.

Tasmania deputy police commissioner Scott Tilyard said a team was on the ground to investigate a fire crew's concerns that a man may have been trapped while trying to defend his house. "We can't at this early stage rule out that there has been loss of life," Mr Tilyard told reporters in Hobart.

Tasmania bushfire hotline: 1800 567 567

HOTTEST DAY IN HOBART AS FIRES BURN

There are warnings issued for a number of bushfires burning in Tasmania.

There are three emergency warnings still in place for fires at Forcett, the Repulse Dam and Aplsey River, near the Tasman Highway, which is moving quickly.

EARLIER: At least one house has been lost as the uncontrolled blaze near Copping continues to rage. One local resident, who asked not to be named, said he had seen his house catch fire from a nearby property.

Tasmanian firefighters' worst fears were realised late today, with more houses destroyed.

Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) Chief Officer Mike Brown says conditions have reached the catastrophic level developed after the Black Saturday fires in Victoria.

He says he suspects houses are among properties destroyed around the small community of Dunalley, 56km southeast of Hobart. There are no reported injuries.

"We reached catastrophic fire danger ratings at times during this afternoon," Chief Officer Brown told reporters.

"I don't think we're quite out of the woods yet.

"The latest reports we've got have been that there's been structural damage and structural losses in the communities around Copping and Dunnalley.

"It will be some time before we can confirm how much damage has been done."

Chief Officer Brown said it was likely some of the damaged structures were houses.

Hobart conditions are now considered worse than 2006/07 when houses were lost on the state's east coast.

Late on Friday afternoon, the TFS upgraded a warning for another fire near Bicheno in that area.

Campers were being evacuated and residents were being encouraged to act on their bushfire plans or leave.

A large grass fire at Epping Forest in the state's north was also causing concern.

The change is unlikely to bring rain but could ignite more fires with lightning strikes, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

"Lighter winds tomorrow and milder temperatures and higher relative humidities will be of help," senior forecaster Malcolm Downing told AAP.

In Tasmania, Hobart experienced its hottest day on record.

Hobart hit 41.8C at 4.05pm (AEDT) on Friday, its highest temperature since records began being kept in 1883, when the mercury hit 40.1C.

Smoke plume from a bushfire burning at Forcett in Tasmania. Photo: Twitter, @foodsideoflife Source: Supplied

Hobart's overnight minimum was a January record - 23.4C.

It comes as firefighters are scrambling to defend a rural property after a large bushfire jumped the Arthur Highway near Carlton River at Copping shortly after 1.30pm.

The fire burnt out about 1000ha of bushland near the town of Copping and has continued to burn uncontained.

A sudden deterioration in the wind fanned the flames across the road and towards the house where residents had earlier said they were planning to stay.

Smoke from a fire at Forcett, Tasmania. Photo: Twitter, @SussanSays Source: Supplied

Police and fire fighters have warned residents they should evacuate ahead of the blaze.

The highway has been closed, cutting off access in and out of the Tasman Peninsula and its main attraction, Port Arthur.

The Highway was closed at noon, because of the anticipated effects of the bushfire burning in the area.

All tourists intending to travel to this area are asked to stay away.

Picture of a fire taken near Copping. Picture: David Killick Source: The Mercury

Police said the closure would be reassessed as conditions ease.

Tasmania's other major fire, near the Mt Field National Park northwest of Hobart, also remains out of control with people living in communities including Broad River, Jones River and Ellendale being told to relocate.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a fire weather warning and road weather alert for the affected areas.

Firefighters at the fire near the Glen Esk Rd, Conara, in Tasmania. Picture: Chris Kidd Source: The Mercury

Across the country, a "superheated" air mass flowing from the deserts of central Australia will push temperatures well above 40C across huge areas of Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory into next week.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Assistant Weather Service Director Alasdair Hainsworth said we can expect to see a change late on Friday with temporary relief on Saturday, before the heatwave continues next week.

"Extreme heat events, such as this one, have wide ranging impacts across agricultural and horticultural sectors, infrastructure and transport, and not least human health and safety. Locations including Alice Springs, Adelaide, Renmark, Melbourne, Mildura, Echuca, Albury, Broken Hill and Wagga Wagga all have temperatures of 40 degrees or higher forecast for today.
 
"Another concern is the amount of vegetation following two wet years, which has led to high fuel loads, that continue to dry out and raise concerns about increased bushfire risk. Fast moving grassfires are of particular concern.

Firefighters are on high alert with parts of Australia tipped to have seven days above 40C.

"Increasing fire danger is anticipated in southeast Australia with hot and gusty northerly winds, followed by a southwesterly change late on Friday.

"There will be some temporary relief from the heat on Saturday with this weak change, moving eastwards over the weekend.

"The next change is then expected to move through southern inland and coastal regions around Tuesday or Wednesday next week, but in other areas temperatures are expected to remain high, with a continuation of heatwave conditions well into next week."

This forecast map shows temperatures set to get close to 50degrees in some parts of the interior on Friday, january 4. Image: Australian Bureau of Meteorolgy Source: No Source

VICTORIA SWELTERING

A sweltering Victoria is on full alert, with a total fire ban declared statewide as the mercury climbs towards 44C in the northwest.

Thousands of firefighters are on alert in Victoria as authorities brace for days of the most dangerous conditions since the Black Saturday bushfires, which killed 173 people in 2009.

An emergency warning was issued for the Kentbruck area, about 400km southwest of Victoria, where there is a slow moving bushfire. The warning on this fire has now been downgraded.

The temperature cracked 40C by noon in one part of the state with many more hovering on 39C, as the mercury climbed towards 44C in the northwest.

Dartmoor, in the state's west, was the first to reach 40C, and by 2.30pm it had rocketed to 43C with Mildura close behind at 42C and Nhill 41.9C.

Amy, 12, from Beaconsfield, was among many people who flocked to Frankston Beach to cool down yesterday. Picture: Jason Sammon Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne reached 39.3C at 2.30pm with the temperature rising about 2C every hour.

Melburnians are bracing for a blistering 41C, with strong winds expected across many parts of the state including northerly winds of 50km/h or stronger to hit the city.

Fire authorities say a fire in a pine plantation in the state's southwest is a "major concern".

The fire on the Princes Highway at Mt Richmond, between Portland and Nelson, began shortly before 3pm (AEDT).

The fire is on public land and looks likely to take hold, Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley told a media briefing in Melbourne on Friday afternoon.

"It is of major concern to us in the sense that it will hold and run for some time," he said.

Mr Lapsley said the fire will close the Princes Highway.

Earlier,  the Country Fire Authority's website buckled in its first real test of the summer.

Worried Victorians flocked to the site in droves, which slowed the site to a crawl.

James Mackay of Stansbury, right, does his best to keep cool near a fire site in the Clare Valley as Lachlan Hennekan and Peter Bywaters look on. Picture: DEAN MARTIN Source: adelaidenow

Just after midday, Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the problem has been fixed.

He said the website had been running at 98 per cent capacity but capability has now been increased to make sure the site can be accessed.

Authorities warned residents to have their survival plans ready and to check on the young and the elderly.

An "extreme" fire danger rating has been issued for the Wimmera, South West and Central regions.

The alert is "severe" elsewhere.

CFA state duty officer Tony Bearzatto said: "The whole of the state needs to be prepared, and to have their plans in place and to make their decision early."

Northerly winds expected to reach 50km/h have intensified the fire risk.

A worker tries to keep flames away from infrastructure at Repulse Dam. PIC: Sam Rosewarne Source: Supplied

SA MELTING IN HEATWAVE

In South Australia, The mercury has cracked 47C in some areas as the state swelters through wilting conditions.

Temperatures reached 47C at both Wudinna, on the Upper Eyre Peninsula, and Tarcoola in the North West Pastoral District, about 1.30pm.

The mercury in Adelaide officially topped 44C at 2.24pm when the Bureau measured the city temperature at 44.2C.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a wind change in the city late afternoon. Winds are set to swing from the northwest to southwest about 4pm, which will help bring temperatures down.

An emergency warning was issued for a bushfire currently threatening homes at Finnis, which is burning out of control. It is still burning, but is not considered an emergency anymore.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) said the blaze was heading towards Gilberts Siding and Finnis. Firefighters are concerned about the fire at Finnis, with potential wind changes.

The wind change, predicted to hit about 4pm, will accelerate the blaze towards the town of Finniss and properties including Andrina Park, Merdia, Gutteridge, Reedlands and Tucker Ford, the Country Fire Service advises.

It has been described as "a large running grassfire". A number of properties are affected by and will come under threat if the fire cannot be contained.

Local residents were advised to initiate their bushfire survival plans and other people were asked to keep clear of the area.

Three farming properties are under threat as a bushfire burns out of control in grassland and scrub.

The Country Fire Service said the fire near Currency Creek was moving towards Gilberts Siding and Finniss and was being fought by ground crews, fixed wing aircraft and a water-bombing helicopter.

CFS crews were kept busy monitoring a fireground in the Clare Valley, where a fire was burning within control lines. At Truro, north of Adelaide, a car crash sparked a small fire.

CFS spokesman Mal Watts said while a cooler change was expected to bring some relief to coastal areas of the state on Saturday, fire fighters would remain on high alert.

"We are throwing everything that we are able to at incidents as they occur," he said.

"We've got to get through today, then we get a bit of a lull and then we're back into it again next week.

"We can't be complacent. We can't think it's just today."

A fire on the Yorke Peninsula, near Maitland, has been contained.

Smartphone tips from - 0421811388 Maitland fire south Australia 4 January 2012iPhone id: c808175758f60a86From: Marek dubovinsky Picture: Newsforce Source: adelaidenow

The fire was burning in grass and stubble near Cunningham, about 10km west of Ardrossan, near Simmons Rd.

The CFS has also expressed concern that the extreme conditions could revive a bushfire still burning within control lines in the Clare Valley.

''The greatest chance of fire escape is in the afternoon, which may put the settlements of Watervale, Leasingham and Auburn at risk," the CFS said.

The service said Friday's extreme conditions would test all its resources ahead of a milder change expected in coastal areas later in the day.

"Everything is super dry, ready to burn," spokesman Malim Watts said.

South Australia's Acting Regional Director for the Bureau of Meteorology John Nairn said this heatwave was unusual.

"The current heatwave is unusual due to its areal extent. More than 70% of the continent is currently experiencing heatwave conditions.

"Apart from the required slow moving synoptic weather pattern required for any heatwave, the spatial extent of this event can be attributed to the extent of dry soils across the Australian landscape."

Emma Cirelli (16) and Carla Borrillo (16) enjoy an early moring cool down at Henley Beach, Adelaide. Picture: Kelly Barnes Source: The Advertiser

Total fire bans have been declared across the state, with three of the 15 fire ban districts - Kangaroo Island, Mount Lofty and the Lower South East - rated as catastrophic.

Extreme fire danger conditions are forecast in the Upper South-East, Murraylands, Yorke Peninsula, Northwest Pastoral, West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula and Upper Eyre Peninsula fire ban districts.

Severe fire danger conditions are forecast in the Northeast Pastoral, Flinders Mid-North, Riverland and Adelaide Metropolitan areas.

Country Fire Service state co-ordinator Malim Watts said the forecast top of 44C, coupled with strong northerly winds ahead of a cool southerly change in the evening, presented a serious risk to the community and firefighters.

NSW BRACES ITSELF

New South Wales is bracing for a seven-day heatwave with temperatures expected to soar as high as 44C in the state's west - prompting warnings from the fire services and health authorities.

The Lakes Way was closed in both directions between Sweet Pea Road and Green Point Drive, just south of Forster, due to a bushfire this afternoon. The Pacific Highway was used as an alternative route.

While, motorists travelling to Forster should use Failford Road via Tuncurry.

These diversions will add extra time to journeys. Emergency services are at the scene trying to put the fire out. Motorists should allow additional travel time.

The western suburbs are currently the hottest places to be in Sydney with temperatures already in the early 30s.

The temperature reached 30.1C in Bankstown at 12.30pm today, Penrith was sitting at 30.7C just after noon and Camden rose to 30.8C, according to the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Beaches are gearing up for a big weekend, Surf Life Saving NSW's Dean Storey said today.

Beachgoers in Sydney at Coogee. Photo Vivian Mat, Twitter, @vivimat78 Source: Supplied

"When it's hot and sunny more people go to the beach and as a result there's more activity," Mr Storey said.

He expected lifesavers to make a similar number of rescues to New Year's Day, when around 300 people were pulled from the surf.

Mr Storey says extra lifeguards will be on duty over the weekend but beachgoers are urged to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.

Police say anyone heading to the water needs to take proper precautions.

"Whether you're going to the beach, a river, lake or swimming pool, you need to assess the environment and take simple precautions to prevent tragedy," Detective Acting Superintendent Darren Schott said in a statement.

"We have had a number of drownings and near-drownings recently, and unfortunately, many could have been prevented by heeding safety messages of police, lifesavers and maritime authorities."

Police also warned that leaving children, elderly people or pets unattended in cars could prove deadly in hot weather.

RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector, David O'Shannessy, says it only takes six minutes for an animal left in a car to die from heat stroke.

NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said there were 43 fires burning around the state and nine of those were not contained.

But he said none of these fires which include grass, scrub and bushfires was threatening property.

"We have got incidents happening all the time," Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

These fires are located in areas ranging from Orange to Gloucester, Shoalhaven, Gundagai and Cobar.

A Skycrane has also been stationed in Waga in preparation for the warm weather.

The other Skycrane remains in Sydney.

"We are making sure we have got the resources where they are needed most," Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

"We have also provided some aircraft assistance to South Australia and Victoria to help them."

While the highest temperature in the Sydney CBD over the next seven days will only reach a maximum of 30C, the mercury is expected to reach 39C in Penrith on Tuesday.

The heatwave is set to last until at least next Thursday.

QUEENSLAND SET FOR A SCORCHER

Queensland is heading into a wild weekend of weather, with a scorching heatwave fuelling outback bushfires while beaches are battered by big waves.

As Australia swelters in the grip of an extreme heatwave on Friday, Winton is predicted to be the hottest spot in Queensland.

Winton has an expected top of 43C, followed by 41C at Longreach and Mount Isa, and 39C at Normanton.

The coolest provincial city is Toowoomba, with a predicted top of 28C.

While the southeast is sitting on a relatively mild 30C, it's not expected to last for long.

Hayshed goes up at Copping, in Tasmania. Picture: David Killick Source: The Mercury

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, next Wednesday will be a scorcher, with predictions of 35C in Brisbane, a sweltering 39C in Ipswich, 32C on the Gold Coast and 34C on the Sunshine Coast.

Much of Queensland's interior, west of a line from Roma to Charter Towers, will be hit by the searing heat, with Birdsville tipped to peak above 46C.

Locals are being warned to stay indoors to escape the extreme heat.

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service yesterday issued a severe fire danger warning for most of the state's north and far southwest as humidity of less than 10 per cent and 35km/h winds helped create tinder-dry conditions.

Fourteen bushfires were burning across the state and fire crews yesterday battled two blazes that threatened properties near Koah and Speewah, west of Cairns.

WA ON ALERT

Bushfires are still threatening parts of  Western Australia as the heatwave - which saw Perth suffer several days of temperatures in the high 30s over New Year - starts to ease.

Perth's fiercest heatwave in nearly 80 years has led to 20 people being admitted to hospital, Western Australia's health department says.

From December 27 until January 3, 20 people were admitted to hospitals across the city suffering directly from the heatwave of seven consecutive days over 37C.

St John's Ambulance also reported a doubling in "environmental" call-outs from the previous week, which can involve heatstroke, dehydration and burns.

During the four-day stretch between December 24 and 27, the ambulance service in the state had 28 "environmental" calls - compared with 15 on the corresponding days in the previous week.

Alasdair Hainsworth, assistant director of weather services, says the very high temperatures already experienced in Western Australia are extending eastwards driven by an extremely hot air mass.

Several fire engines were required at a fire which began south of Melbourne.

National Seniors Australia has warned the community to keep checking elderly relatives, friends, and neighbours during hot weather.

Don't forget your pets.

The weather could prove fatal for some cats and dogs, vets are warning, as the animals are unable to maintain their normal body temperatures.

"If unattended, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke and sometimes prove to be fatal," said Dr Alan Bolton, senior veterinarian at Victoria's Frank Samways Clinic.

He's urging pet owners to monitor the weather and their pets, with animals suffering heat exhaustion likely to pant excessively, salivate and become increasingly agitated.

A vet should be consulted immediately if pets show any of these signs, or starts vomiting.

Dr Bolton says pet owners should not leave their dogs and cats unattended during hot weather for extended lengths of time.

"Try to stay at home or have someone at home with your pet to keep an eye on how they're going," he said.

"Have fresh, cold water and shade available at all times or bring them inside into an air-conditioned environment."

If pets do overheat, owners can cool them with lukewarm water and wrap them in wet towels.

Dr Bolton urged people not to use very cold water but to consider leaving a pillowcase filled with ice near a pet or on their bedding. 

PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY AND HOME

The Food Safety Information Council has released information to help people who lose power, access to water and/or are affected by fires around the country.

Your fridge

• With the hot weather, check your fridge is running at 5°C or below – you may have set the temperature in the middle of winter and not touched the temperature dial since then.
• If you don't already have one, pick up a fridge thermometer from your local kitchen shop next time you are out.

Power failures

• If the power fails make a note of the time the power went out.
• If the power supply is out for more than 4 hours, food in fridges can spoil. Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. A closed refrigerator should keep food cold for 4 hours. If food that's meant to be in the fridge is allowed to warm for 2 hours or more, avoid eating it. Move food from the fridge to the freezer.
• If available, put bagged ice under food packages and trays stored in freezers and fridges if power failure lasts more than 1 hour.
• Place an insulating blanket over cold or frozen food where possible.
• Freezers will usually not defrost and allow food to spoil for at least 24 hours, provided the door has been kept shut.
• Try to keep cold and frozen food cold. If food is still cold to touch, less than 5°C, it is safe to use.
• Once cold or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, 5°C or above, it can be kept, cooked thoroughly and eaten for up to 4 hours and then it must be thrown away or, if it is raw meat, it should be cooked and eaten.
• If power is restored when frozen food is still solid the food is safe to refreeze.
• Throw out food that was being cooked when the power failed if cooking cannot be completed properly within 2 hours. If food is already properly cooked, eat it within 2 hours or throw it out.

After a fire

• One of the dangers of a fire can be toxic fumes from burning materials. Chemicals used to fight the fire can also contain toxic materials. The heat from a fire can cause bacteria in food to multiply and grow:
• throw out any food that has been near a fire, including food in cans and jars even if it appears OK.
• Any raw food, or food in packaging such as cardboard, plastic wrap, screw-topped jars and bottles should also be thrown out.
• Throw out food from a refrigerator as the refrigerator seal isn't airtight, fumes can get inside.
• Wash cooking utensils exposed to fire-fighting chemicals in soapy hot water, then sanitise in one tablespoon of chlorine bleach per 2 litres of hot water and rinse.

Water

• If your water supply fails, use only bottled, boiled or treated water - in that order of preference - for drinking, cooking or preparing food, washing utensils and surfaces, brushing teeth, hand washing, making ice, and bathing.

- with AAP

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