On Sunday in the state of New South Wales, Australia, a severe heatwave was observed, increasing the risk of forest fires, which led authorities to impose a complete ban on lighting fires in the Sydney metropolitan area.
Measures were taken due to a rapid increase in temperatures, reminiscent of last year’s major forest fires. According to forecasts, temperatures in some areas could reach 40 degrees Celsius.
The chief fire commissioner of New South Wales warned that the fire situation could quickly escalate under conditions of high temperatures and strong winds.
"We are starting this day, seeing that the temperature is rising and the wind is strengthening, which complicates our situation," he said.
He noted that last summer Australia experienced one of the hottest and driest winters on record, which was one of the reasons for severe forest fires that engulfed large territories.
