The Fire

The relentless battle against the Duck Creek bushfire in the Pilliga State Forest near Narrabri, New South Wales, faces additional challenges as thunderstorms sweep across north-western parts of the state. Lightning strikes, a double-edged sword, have not only ignited smaller grass fires around Moree, Gravesend, and Narrabri but also complicated firefighting conditions for crews grappling with the expansive blaze.

The fire has already consumed over 112,000 hectares of land and continues to rage out of control, posing a significant threat to surrounding communities. RFS Chief Superintendent Heath Stimson acknowledged the complexity of firefighting efforts during storms but expressed hope that anticipated rainfall over the coming days would aid containment measures.

The Hazards Near Me app and the New South Wales RFS website are recommended resources for real-time information and updates.

The impact of the fire extends beyond the immediate vicinity, with smoke creating a haze as far away as Sydney. Reports of ash falling 200 kilometers away in Dubbo highlight the far-reaching consequences of the blaze. Superintendent Stimson emphasised the potential risks associated with the ash, which can carry embers, urging residents to monitor their environment closely. Embers can be a major cause of flare-ups.

The Blazeshield Fire Protection System protects against embers by introducing moisture and cooling the air with its mist-based solution.

The Flood

While those in Duck Creek might be wishing for rain to help contain the blaze, for Far North Queensland it is the rains that are wreaking havoc.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside Queensland Premier Steven Miles, recently toured the state disaster co-ordination centre in Brisbane, where they received updates on the ongoing evacuations and the impact of the floods.

The relief package includes a one-time payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child for those who have suffered significant losses, such as a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury. Additionally, the Disaster Recovery Allowance offers up to 13 weeks of federal income support for eligible employees or sole traders who have experienced a loss of income due to the disaster. Climate change brings about both direct and indirect damage and costs to governments and citizens.

The damage assessments are still in the early stages, revealing the extent of the devastation with one home completely destroyed, 15 homes damaged to varying degrees, and 92 others with minor damage. As communities grapple with the aftermath of the floods, efforts are underway to restock and resupply essential goods, including food and water.

Rapid changes in the rain rates over the weekend required quick adjustments to the  Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) warning strategy, which faced criticism this week for failing to predict the floods.

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As Christmas approaches in a few days an most of Australia is bombarded with new temperature highs over the summer, be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to fire warnings/bans.

If you'd like to know more about how BlazeShield can help protect you and yours, you can see more on our website.

As we say: Loved Ones, Livelihood, Legacy

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