"Let me put it this way," he said. "I think the country should prepare for a continuation of what we are now experiencing … I think the likelihood of this going on is very strong." In recent years there has been an almost global increase in extreme maximum temperatures and extreme rain, according to the Australian Greenhouse Office. By 2030 most of the country is expected to have 10 to 50 per cent more days over 35 degrees, and many fewer frosts.

CSIRO models show that in many places global warming is likely to increase the frequency and duration of heavy rains, droughts and floods. Global warming has started to produce more severe bushfires, and much of the east coast and southern states can expect more frequent and intense fires, according to the Government's Bushfire Research Centre. Mr Howard said more emergency services infrastructure was one answer, but after touring Victoria he emphasised the need to "get the balance right" in national parks.

"I hear people say that they couldn't get access to some of the national park areas because some of the fire trails were blocked off." He said it was possible to protect and preserve the values of the parks but still allow access.

Earlier, in the King Valley in Victoria, the Prime Minister told a group of fire fighter volunteers he was in awe of their efforts. "I've come here today to do two things, firstly to say to all of the people whose livelihoods and properties and futures have been under threat and continue to be under threat, that the rest of the nation is feeling for you at this very difficult time. You're not alone. And also, to express my personal admiration to the men and women of the Country Fire Authority." Mr Howard announced extra Federal Government disaster relief measures including grants to help communities recover from events like the bushfires.

Up to $10,000 would be paid to small businesses, farmers and community groups to help with recovery efforts. In Tasmania, firefighters were bracing to deal with the major east coast bushfire, with hot weather and high winds forecast for today. A total fire ban is in place.

Firefighters were working to build firebreaks, but were preparing for the fire to run south through inaccessible forest country into the Douglas Apsley national park. The NSW Rural Fire Service said a fire in the Bondo plantation, 30 kilometres north-east of Tumut, broke containment lines yesterday and could threaten properties in the Upper Goobragandra River Valley today. with Ben Doherty