Sydney fireworks to go ahead as wildfires blaze
SYDNEY WILL set off its famous New Year fireworks after being granted an exemption to a total ban on fires.
Other Australian cities have cancelled their celebrations due to the worsening wildfire risk in the oppressive summer heat.
Pressure built for Sydney’s spectacle to be scrapped but New South Wales Rural Fire Service yesterday gave it the go-ahead.
The celebrations are expected to attract a million people to Sydney Harbour’s famous foreshore and generate 130 million Australian
dollars (£69million) for the state’s economy. An estimated one billion people worldwide watched last year’s display on television.
Australia’s most populous state has borne the brunt of wildfires that have killed nine people and razed more than 1,000 homes across the country.
Of the 97 fires burning across New South Wales yesterday, 43 were not yet contained. A total fire ban was in place in Sydney, Canberra and other places.
Temperatures today are set to hit 33C in Sydney, with hotter weather in the western suburbs. Thick smoke has shrouded the city’s landmarks.
Rural Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said: “Hot air is coming out of the centre of Australia.
“It’s particularly dry and unfortunately conditions are expected to worsen in New South Wales as we head into Tuesday.”
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison had said the fireworks should go ahead to show the world Australia’s resiliency.
New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro had said the spectacle should be called off.
“The risk is too high and we must respect our exhausted volunteers,” he said.
In Australia’s second-most populous state, Victoria, wildfires are forcing thousands of residents and holidaymakers to evacuate. Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, peaked at 41C yesterday.
Victoria’s emergency workers said the fires were generating their own thunderstorms, creating dangerous conditions.