by Gulrukh Tausif

Created on: January 11, 2013

Raging and rapidly spreading wildfires are creating havoc in Australia where government has mobilized all resources to combat this rampaging disaster. The wildfires have been triggered by a record-breaking heat wave in the continent. Tasmania and New South Wales are the most affected areas where hundreds of uncontrolled fires are still blazing while Queensland and Victoria are also witnessing some carnage.

Earlier in the month, thousands had been forced to flee their homes and take shelter in evacuation centers in Tasmania as bush fires swept through the island off the southeastern coast of Australia. Hundreds of homes and other private and public buildings were destroyed. The loss of property and material possessions faded in the background as people separated by the uncontrolled fires searched desperately for their loved ones and sought to be united once again.

Meanwhile, firefighting air-crafts, fire trucks, firefighting crews and volunteers are working day and night to contain the fires that have scorched thousands of acres and are threatening life, property and the environment in many other states of Australia.

According to latest reports from New South Wales, there are almost 126 fires still, with 15 of those yet to be contained across the state. With no imminent relief from the dry, searing weather in sight, Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has warned the people to remain vigilant and stay alert as scorching conditions are predicted to return over the weekend. He has also urged “the people to stay plugged into social media and regularly check the RFS website, as well as watch for TV updates” to stay informed about the blazing fires.

The ferocity of bush fires in the south-east of the country has surprised even the veteran firefighters. Fortunately, there have been no reports of deaths or serious injuries related to the bush fires but they have had a devastating effect on homes, livestock and farmlands. About 10,000 sheep have perished, while there is an acute shortage of fodder to feed livestock in fire affected areas. All national parks, state forests and reserves have been closed to the public.

Wildfires are powerful forces of nature that can burn as long as they have the three ingredients necessary for their propagation; namely fuel, oxygen and heat. Almost like a herd of untamed, uncontrollable beasts, the wildfires consume anything that comes in their way and lay to waste everything in their path.

Weather in Australia

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