Scorched Australia

[marmar]

from the Sydney Morning Herald:



Sweltering day puts heat on fire crews
ELLIE HARVEY AND BELLINDA KONTOMINAS

November 23, 2009


FIRES burned aggressively across NSW yesterday, scorching about 12,000 hectares of the state but claiming just one property.

About 130 fires were fanned by sweltering heat and gusty conditions that led to emergency warnings for eight towns. This level of warnings advises residents to enact their bushfire plans immediately or evacuate.

''It has been an incredibly tough day,'' said the Rural Fire Service spokesman, Anthony Clark, ''and you need to remember we're still in November.''

About 1700 firefighters were involved in yesterday's efforts, along with more than 70 aircraft and about 500 trucks. Mr Clark said the temperature was very challenging, in many places reaching 40.

The worst fires were in the central west, near Rylstone, Kandos and Clandulla, where a small cottage was lost. ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/sweltering-day-puts-heat-on-fire-crews-20091122-isvk.html