South Australian firefighters are bracing for what could be a busy Easter break amid high fire danger warnings and hot and dry conditions across parts of the state, with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s.
Many parts of south-eastern Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, are also expecting unseasonably warm temperatures across the long weekend.
Temperatures were forecast to reach 28C in Melbourne on Saturday and 25C in Sydney, though with increasing chances of rain as the weekend progressed.
A suspicious bushfire in the Adelaide Hills this week has been contained but SA Country Fire Service crews will be monitoring the area closely for flare-ups, particularly on Saturday when the worst conditions are expected.
⚠️ #Fire Weather Warning warning issued for #WestCoast, #GoodFriday. Hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast. Check https://t.co/unuOznUmUu for details and updates; stay tuned to @CFSAlerts for further #bushfire information and warnings. Stay safe this #Easter. pic.twitter.com/Wz72EV7y3U
— Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia (@BOM_SA) April 18, 2019
The Victorian Country Fire Authority has warned people to reconsider lighting campfires this weekend.
“We’re asking all Victorians that go camping to consider whether conditions are safe before lighting up as campfires can get away very quickly,” the CFA acting chief officer, Gavin Freeman, said.
“Victorians must be sure never to leave their campfires unattended, and when leaving to make sure the fire is totally extinguished.”
Freeman said people planning on burning off will need a permit.
“We are concerned that if a fire was to start, it may be difficult to bring under control, so if you don’t need a fire outdoors, don’t light one,” he said.
An out-of-control bushfire destroyed a shed near Ballarat and ripped through a pine plantation this week before being brought under control.
CFA urges Victorians to keep safe this Easter https://t.co/gEMwRUfypi pic.twitter.com/Uaj2DiQlQ0
— CFA Updates (@CFA_Updates) April 16, 2019
Not all parts of the country can expect fine weather over the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Grace Legge said a cold front was expected across south-west Western Australia that was likely to bring thunderstorms and dangerous surf conditions. There might be snow on the Stirling Ranges, she said.
Showers and thunderstorms are also expected down the Queensland and NSW coasts at times, with swimmers and rock fishers warned to be careful in the powerful surf conditions.
People attending Bluesfest in Byron Bay were warned to expect showers and heavier rainfall at times across the weekend.
