Fires Burn Across NSW and ACT in Australia

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, December 25, 2001

Fires Burn Across NSW and ACT in Australia

Fires are continuing to burn across New South Wales and in the Australian Capital Territory amid fears of a repeat of Monday's adverse weather conditions.

Fires are continuing to burn across New South Wales and in the Australian Capital Territory amid fears of a repeat of Monday's adverse weather conditions.

Overnight, fire fighters in Canberra kept a close watch on homes in the suburb of Red Hill as they contained blazes on a number of fronts.

Amid concerns about strong winds today, helicopters are expected to be used to dump water on the flames.

In NSW volunteer fire fighters took advantage of a drop in the winds last night to work on containment lines for 70 significant bushfires in areas including the state's central west, Hunter Valley, lower Blue Mountains and mid north coast.

As fire crews await a repeat of yesterday's hot, strong dry winds, authorities have banned the lighting of fires, including bbqs, across most of NSW.

The rural fire service's John Winter says the southerly change will mean another busy day.

Meanwhile, on the mid-north coast, fire crews moved 200 people to safety from a caravan park and Aboriginal settlement in Aracune.

The state's Rural Fire Service says no properties are threatened at this stage.

All Four Killed in Light Plane Crash in Australia

Earthquake Shakes Southwestern Australia