The rural fire service in New South Wales, Australia, will be receiving assistance from the Australian Defence Force this week after a special emergency directive was activated.
The COMDISPLAN was put into action after bush fires & tinder-dry conditions lead to a fire assessment of severe to catastrophic. Bushfires are bruning right across the state and aerial fire fighting crews are battling the blazes.
Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said:
“The fire threat in NSW is severe to catastrophic today and our first concern is for the safety and needs of those directly affected.
“Activating the COMDISPLAN will provide NSW with additional support during this severe threat.
“The Australian Defence Force is well placed to assist the Rural Fire Service and will provide crucial, on the ground support to local crews.”
Bush fires have also severely affected Tasmania, with Australia Post struggling to deliver mail in the Tasman Peninsula, where the Arthur highway has been closed.
Australians in the affected areas are being advised to prepare a bag with essential items such as batteries, torches, medicine and water, in case they need to flee their property. State governments are issuing regularly updated advice on the movement of the fires, closures and state assistance.