Catastrophe as South Australian wildfires spread and temperatures rise accompanied by hot winds

By Euronews

Published on 05/01/2015 - 14:08

Firefighters in South Australia are battling to bring a number of wildfires under control as weather conditions look set to hamper efforts over the

Firefighters in South Australia are battling to bring a number of wildfires under control as weather conditions look set to hamper efforts over the next 48 hours.

Properties have been destroyed, 29 people hospitalised and a catastrophe declared.

Forecasters predict temperatures are set to reach 38 Celsius accompanied by hot winds in the coming days.

Jay Weatherill, is the Premier of South Australia: “The fire continues to burn and there remains a very clear danger. There are a number of flare ups across the fire ground, a number of very large trees have either fallen or continue to burn and may fall. Fires caused by the flare ups can travel quickly, the direction can be erratic. We need communities to remain prepared and to stay informed.”

Aircraft and fire crews from neighbouring Victoria have been drafted in to assist in the operation.

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