After re-entering the charred remains of towns ravaged by flames in the past week, the RFS confirms an estimated 973 homes have been destroyed since the start of this year's bushfire season.
The number of homes razed by bushfires this season has climbed to almost 1,000, the NSW Rural Fire Service says in its latest impact assessment.
That figure is in addition to 100 homes believed destroyed since last Thursday, which the RFS have not yet included in its official count.The RFS said an additional 2,048 outbuildings and 68 facilities were levelled by the blaze. Live Traffic NSW said hundreds of kilometres of roads, including major highways and busy arteries, around the state were closed in both directions.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NSW RFS rejects need to pay volunteer firefighters | Sky News AustraliaCommissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Shane Fitzsimmons has strongly rejected the need for more financial compensation or for the volunteers to be paid for their firefighting efforts.\n\nMr Fitzsimmons told Sky News he would put 'very little store in anything the Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (VFFA) has to say,' due to the lack of 'access to information about who they claim to represent, how many they represent, and how they operate'.\n\nThe Volunteer Fire Fighters Association’s union leader Mick Holton said situation that stands is out-of-control and more needs to be done, raising concerns over claims many firefighters are crowdfunding for necessary equipment. \n\nMeanwhile, more than 2,000 firefighters will spend the holidays trying to contain the bushfires currently raging across parts of New South Wales. \n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »
RFS assess damage in fire-impacted areas | Sky News AustraliaAuthorities are assessing the damage from bushfires raging in the greater Sydney region to see whether it is safe for residents to return home.\n\nIt's believed dozens of properties have been lost, however exact numbers have not yet been determined.\n\nNSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said there is 'not much left' of Balmoral, south-west of Sydney, which has been ravaged by the Green Wattle Creek fire.\n\nCooler temperatures on Sunday allowed firefighters to spend the day strengthening containment lines, as more than 90 fires continue to burn across the state.\n\nAt least 72 homes have been destroyed in the Cudlee Creek fire in the Adelaide Hills, and 300 firefighters remain on the ground, battling to establish containment lines.\n\nThe Prime Minister apologised to Australians for taking an overseas family holiday as fires raged across the country, meeting with bushfire victims in Sydney's south west after conceding in hindsight, he would have made a different decision.\n\nMr Morrison defended his government's response to the bushfire crisis, while also emphasising the need for responsible action on climate change.\n\nHe insisted all Australian governments, the defence force and the Commonwealth were ensuring efforts across the country have never been better resourced or coordinated.\n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »
RFS boss rejects calls for firefighters to be compensatedCommissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said suggesting you're going to pay volunteers would be doing them 'a disservice' by undermining the spirit of volunteerism.
Read more »
Volunteer Fire Fighters Association is a 'politically charged' group with 'unclear motives': NSW RFS commissioner | Sky News AustraliaCommissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Shane Fitzsimmons says he would put 'very little store in anything the Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (VFFA) has to say,' due to the lack of 'access to information about who they claim to represent, how many they represent, and how they operate'.\n\nMr Fitzsimmons told Sky News the VFFA are 'highly politically-charged, their leader is a failed political candidate' with unclear motivations. \n\nMr Fitzsimmons said we cannot “take away from the extraordinary spirit that is volunteerism, underpinning all that is good in our society,' as it makes communities “so cohesive, valuable and precious'.\n\n“In my decades of service, volunteers don’t want payment, it doesn’t make them volunteers, and they have given me that message loud and clear,” he said. \n\nMr Fitzsimmons said 'meaningful dialogue' is underway between Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister David Elliott about ensuring 'unnecessary hardship isn't affecting too adversely our members'.\n\nNew South Wales fire fighters are taking advantage of easing Christmas Eve conditions, ahead of a weekend of soaring temperatures. \n\n“This is the most protracted, demanding, uninterrupted pattern of weather that we have experienced here in New South Wales, and the results, damage and destruction, as well as the commitment from volunteers is unwavering,” he said. \n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »
More than 80 homes gutted by fire in the Adelaide HillsLosses from the Adelaide Hills bushfire continue to climb with 86 homes now confirmed destroyed, along with almost 500 other buildings.
Read more »
After this woman lost her home to bushfire, her friend entered her into a competitionNina Jongen's family home was destroyed by bushfire in November. Then her friend entered her into a competition to win a tiny house.
Read more »