More than a dozen homes and shacks have been damaged by an out-of-control fire, with authorities warning it’s not safe to return.
Two firefighters have been treated for minor injuries as crews battle a blaze at Dolphin Sands on Tasmania’s east coast.
Multiple emergency-level fires are also burning in NSW as extreme weather grips Australia’s east coast.
Despite temperatures rising rapidly across the country, conditions in Tasmania have improved as winds ease.
A watch and act warning remains in place for the seaside town of Dolphin Sands, a community still recovering after losing homes in the 2023 bushfire.
Residents have been told it’s not safe to return.
Tasmania Fire Service Commissioner Jeremy Smith confirmed 19 homes and shacks had been damaged, along with 15 out-buildings and four vehicles.
“We believe that we have lost a number of structures in that area,” he said.
“This number may increase as the crews go through the fire ground, make it safe and assess the damage.”
A watch and act warning has been downgraded at Glenlusk, northwest of Hobart.
Meanwhile, a heatwave warning and two emergency bushfire alerts are in place for residents in parts of NSW.
Residents near Beni Road, outside Dubbo, have been told to seek shelter immediately as the fire is now impacting homes and properties.
A second fire has been upgraded to an emergency level in Bulahdelah, with residents in Crawford River along Emu Creek Road, south of Booral Road told to seek shelter immediately.
A severe heatwave warning is in place for parts of NSW, with conditions are expected to peak on Friday and Saturday, with maximum temperatures reaching the mid-30s to low-40s.
Temperatures are expected to ease on Sunday.
Victorians haven’t escaped the severe conditions, with hot, dry, and windy weather expected Friday afternoon that could heighten fire activity.
Firefighters are working to contain a bushfire in Markwood, 280km northeast of Melbourne, which has impacted at least three properties.
Authorities are concerned northwesterly winds of 30 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, could pick up in the coming hours.
Meanwhile, South Australian fire crews remain on high alert as grass fires burn across the state, while several blazes in Western Australia are at advice level amid an ongoing heatwave.
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