Published Nov. 8, 2019 10:22 AM
Much of eastern Australia is in flames as more than 50 wildfires burn out of control, contributing to what's been called an "unprecedented" bushfire emergency for the state of New South Wales.
According to a report from ABC Australia, two homes have been destroyed, and people have been trapped in their homes as fires swept through. At one point, a record 17 fires were burning at an emergency level. More than 50 other fires across New South Wales burned out of control.
Fire conditions are expected to remain high again on Saturday as winds threaten to fan flames.
The smoke plumes from fires burning near Australia’s east coast grew exponentially on Friday. These 2 images from NASA Worldview were taken just hours apart: bit.ly/34TfyM3
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Plumes of smoke could be seen on satellite spreading to the east of several major fires across northern New South Wales.
A total of nearly 90 fires are burning across New South Wales and Queensland as of Friday, Nov. 8.
Video posted to Twitter by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service captured the harrowing scene of intense flames burning along a highway near the town of Taree.
At one point, the Rural Fire Service advised residents near Hillville that "It is too late to leave. Seek shelter in a solid structure to protect yourself from the heat of the fire."
Wildfire smoke captured by satellite imagery over eastern Australia on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. (Photo/NASA)
While the wind will lessen slightly on Saturday, AccuWeather meteorologists still warn that it can be windy enough to cause some fires to burn out of control.
With a wind direction out of the west and southwest, the spread of fires will continue to be to the east or northeast, similar to what occurred on Friday.
Smoke will once again spread to the coast causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in places such as Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. The fires have been so intense that the entire landscape around Port Macquarie was shrouded in an orange glow.
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Very high fire danger remains across northern New South Wales, and total fire bans are in effect in many communities.
An area of high pressure building over the region is expected to bring lighter winds with it on Sunday and Monday, which should aid firefighters looking to control the blazes.
However, a front crossing the area could once again increase wind around the middle of next week increasing the fire danger once again.
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