GFMC: Bush and Forest Fires in Australia
Bush and Forest Fires in Australia
18 December 2002
Latest Satellite Image:
FireDanger in Australia
This true-color ModerateResolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was captured by the Aqua satellite on December 14, 2002, and shows active fires marked with red outlines.
Source: MODIS
Australia´s fire seasons
Actual Fire Situation Maps
An actual fire situation map inVictoria can be found directly at:
http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/fires/updates/report/index.htm
Tuesday,17 December 2002: Total Fire Ban
The Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service has declared a Total Fire Ban in the following Weather Forecast Districts:
Upper Western, North West Plains, Central Western Plains, Central West Slopes, Riverina, Lower Western, South West Slopes.
The weather forecast for this area is very high temperature, low humidity and moderate to strong winds. These conditions are conducive to fire activity and the community is urged to take particular care. Fire danger in this area will be extreme or approaching extreme.
The Total Fire Ban will become effective for the 24 hours from MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, Monday, December 16, 2002 until MIDNIGHT Tuesday, 17 December 2002.
During a Total Fire Ban no fire of any kind may be lit in the open. This includes incinerators and barbecues, which burn solid fuel, e.g. wood or charcoal. You may use a gas or electric barbecue, but only if
· It is on residential property within 20m of the house or dwelling;
· It is under the direct control of a responsible adult;
· The ground around the barbecue is cleared for 3m of all material which could burn;
· You have a continuous supply of running water.
A map identifying the boundaries of weather districts can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology web site at http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/dist_map.shtml.
Members of the public can phone 1 800 654 443 or their local NSW Rural Fire Service Fire Control Centre for more information.
Source: NSW Rural FireService
Blaze burns in ti-tree swamp – Lismore,Monday, 16 December 2002 –
NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer firefighters along with National Parks and Wildlife Service fire crews are battling a blaze burning in the Tuckean Nature Reserve area, to the south of Lismore, which has burned out some 250 hectares.
The fire was initially reported around 6:30pm on Saturday 14th December 2002, burning in very inaccessible country. At this stage it is believed the fire may have been caused by a lightening strike.
The fire is presently burning in Ti-tree swamp country, which is extremely thick. This, combined with a peat based ground layer, is hampering firefighting efforts. At present large plumes of smoke are emanating from the fire, which can be seen quite clearly from Lismore, Ballina and Casino.
Inaccessibility of the fire is making containment efforts difficult, however, crews are working tirelessly to initiate control lines in order to secure the fire, Inspector Matt Inwood said.
Hot, dry weather conditions again being experienced across the North Coast today, are not assisting firefighters working to contain the fire.
Fire authorities are again appealing to the community to use extreme caution where fire is concerned as the whole north coast area is tinder box dry.
Source: NSW Rural FireService
Fire Weather Forecast for the Pacific Region
Fire Weather Index for the
Pacific Region for tomorrow.
(Source: ECPCFire Weather Index Forecast)
For more information on Australia see the IFFN country notes and have a look at the Australian and New Zealand links.
For background Information see also: Recent Media Highlights on Fire, Policies, and Politics
