Temperatures soar in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, with warnings of elevated fire dangers

Residents of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia are facing a scorcher of a weekend, and have been advised to drink plenty of water, take care in the surf and prepare properties for bushfire risks.

An “extremely dangerous” bushfire was burning out of control in South Australia’s southeast on Saturday afternoon, and residents were warned their lives and properties were at risk.



An emergency warning has been issued for the Sherwood, Brimbago, Lowan Vale, McCallum and Senior areas near the South Australian-Victorian border.



“If you are in this area you are in danger. There is a risk to your life and property,” the CFS said in a warning just after 2pm on Saturday.



“Take shelter inside a solid building. Do not leave or enter this area in a vehicle or on foot. It is too late to leave and the roads will not be safe.”



The blaze comes amid soaring temperatures and catastrophic fire conditions in the Mt Lofty Ranges, and upper and lower southeast.



SA’s 12 other districts are either severe or extreme, with authorities considering the conditions as the worst in several years.



The CFS has also issued a warning message for a grass fire at McLaren Vale, south of Adelaide, while crews also battling a blaze at Happy Valley, in the city’s south.

In NSW, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of severe heatwave conditions for much of the state across the weekend with the mercury expected to peak on Sunday.

Parts of NSW are tipped to reach 45C on Saturday including Menindee in the far west and Ivanhoe in the state’s centre.

Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) High Temps and Strong Winds means increased Fire Danger Rating over parts of southern #Australia today & tomorrow. Which #warnings are active near you? Check https://t.co/qm1nYhUSO4 pic.twitter.com/AavxuRUX0j

Most of the state will swelter through temperatures above 40C on Sunday, including Bulahdelah on the mid north coast which is set to reach 45C.

Sydneysiders will avoid the worst of the heat – temperatures are forecast to peak at 38C in the city on Sunday but Penrith could hit 45C.

“A NSW Health study published just last month found extreme heatwaves lead to a more than 10% increase in both deaths and ambulance callouts,” Dr Ben Scalley, director of environmental health at NSW Health, said in a statement on Friday.

“They put a lot of strain on the body and can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Surf Life Saving NSW has implored people heading to the beach to take care, given there have been 10 drownings since the beginning of December.

The RFS is warning residents of an elevated fire danger and wants people to prepare properties now.

Total fire ban for Victoria as state prepares for 40C temperatures Read more

NSW Health urged people to drink plenty of water but say they are prepared for a rise in deaths and emergencies during the heatwave.

NSW Police has reminded people it is an offence for children or pets to be left alone in a vehicle, and as the weather heats up it can be fatal.

“Despite the most recent warning in December, a dog died after being left in a car at Rose Bay, and in a separate incident a 32-year-old man was arrested and charged at a Guildford hotel after he allegedly left a six-year-old boy in a car,” a police release on Saturday said.

Police say livestock and pet owners should ensure clean water is always available, shading is provided where possible and no animals are left in confined, unventilated areas.

People in Victoria have been told to stay inside as parts of the state brace for the hottest day in nearly two years.

Melbourne and Geelong are forecast to reach 42C on Saturday, with winds of up to 40km/h.



Bendigo, Echuca and Avalon are set to climb to 43C, while Mildura and Warracknabeal could soar to 45C.



“This heat is a killer. It’s going to be like a blast furnace tomorrow and you need to adjust what you do,” Ambulance Victoria’s state health commander Paul Holman told reporters on Friday.



“You need to take this seriously. You need to take care. So put off the sporting events, put off the outside events, stay inside.”



Saturday will be Melbourne’s hottest day since 13 January 2016.



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A fire ban has been issued statewide, with extreme fire warnings in the Mallee and Wimmera, and severe warnings in southwest and central parts.



A cool change in the late afternoon to early evening could cause the temperature to drop 20 degrees within hours in Melbourne.



People in regional areas have been urged to have their fire plans ready, while travellers need stay on top of the conditions in their area.



Authorities are pleading with people to act responsibly throughout the day.



“A lot of people will be returning from holidays this weekend and we ask that they consider simple steps such as ensuring campfires are completely extinguished and cigarette butts are not thrown from car windows on the way home,” assistant commissioner Debra Abbott said.



“Use of farm machinery and tools such as angle grinders and welders should also be avoided.”



Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.



Lighting a fire on a total fire ban day can also attract a fine of about $37,000 or up to two years in jail.

– Australian Associated Press contributed to this report

