3,000 army reservists are deployed in Australia as victims of fires increase
An extra 3,000 army reservists have been called up to help tackle Australia’s bushfires with the situation expected to worsen over the weekend.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the death toll had risen to 23 – with two more fatalities confirmed on Saturday – and warned “we are facing another extremely difficult next 24 hours”. He added “in recent times, particularly over the course of the balance of this week, we have seen this disaster escalate to an entirely new level.”
Strong winds and high temperatures are expected to bring flames to more populated areas, including the suburbs of Sydney.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said her state is facing “another terrible day” and called on people in areas threatened by the fires to leave while they can.
The fire broke containment lines Friday and was described as “virtually unstoppable” as it destroyed buildings and burned through more than 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres) of Flinders Chase National Park.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said more than 130 fires are burning in the state and at least half of those are out of control.
