Travel

Australian wildfires: Is it safe to travel amid state of emergency?


Emergency warnings remain for fires burning in South Australia, which has left one dead from a car crash in Lameroo, a bushfire zone, and eight people were treated for burns and smoke inhalation.

The fires, which began in September, are set to continue as New South Wales could faced disastrous conditions on Saturday, with another warning being issued for Greater Sydney and Victoria.

Since September, over 700 homes have been destroyed and towns blanketed by smoke and nearly three million acres of bushland have burned across eastern Australia.

The fire on Gospers Mountain, which is situated in New South Wales, is now considered the largest forest fire to start from a single ignition point in Australia’s history and has destroyed an area that is seven times the size of Singapore.

In addition, the bushfire death toll continues to rise as two firefighters were killed on Thursday, while battling the fires.

Geoffrey Keaton, 32 and Andrew O’Dwyer, 36, were fighting blazes southwest of Sydney when a tree fell and caused the vehicle they were in to roll off the road. Both men died at the scene while three other injured firefighters were  taken to a hospital.

According to the FCO, over 700,000 British nationals visit Australia every year. With many visiting in the country and others planning trips during Christmas and New Years, how safe is it for travel?

A statement on the FCO website warns travellers to “be aware of the risks of the bushfires” which have travelled throughout the region since November.

READ MORE: Australian ‘mega blaze’ forces firefighters to flee in fear

“Smoke generated by bushfires can result in poor air quality, which could provoke respiratory conditions.

“If you’re in or near an affected area, stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities.”

As the chaos continues in the wake of the fires, a Reddit thread has been created with users sharing tips on how to prepare for a bushfire that could assist residents and travellers alike.

In the thread, a Reddit user said: “Prepare for disruption to the mobile phone network as fires often disable power and phone networks.

Also discuss rendezvous plan with family/neighbours, so you are all on the same page, even if you can’t communicate with them.”

Another commented: “Buy a face mask that’s specifically designed to filter smoke.

“Also you’ll drink much more water than you think, so carry a minimum 10L of clean, drinking water.”

During the deadly blaze, Australia’s prime minister was criticised for going on holiday while fires engulfed parts of Australia.

Scott Morrison decided to cut short his Hawaiian holiday after the deaths of Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer, and has since apologised for leaving the country amid the bushfires.

In a statement on Friday morning, he said: “I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time.

“I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy.”

Morrison is due to return to Australia on Saturday.

Speaking on the late firefighters, he added: “Their sacrifice and service saving lives and saving properties will be forever remembered. I wish those injured all the best in their recovery.”



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