Firefighters in New South Wales (NSW), Australia are continuing to battle uncontained fires across the state.
The blazes have so far claimed thousands of hectares of farm land and killing almost 1,000 livestock.
At 7am Thurs, there's 47 bush and grass fires in NSW. All but 6 are contained. All fires at Advice. Hot weather back tomorrow. #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/9E673Ui9Db
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) February 15, 2017
The latest figures from the NSW Rural Fire Service indicate 430 sheep and 55 cattle have been killed, as well 325 goats.
A family farm in Dunedoo, which has been farmed by four generations, has had 3500 acres of land destroyed and lost 90% of it’s cattle, as well as farm machinery, sheds and tractors.
The bushfires, which began last weekend, are expected to continue with the fire danger likely to be very high on Friday and Saturday as temperatures are expected to rise across much of the state.
Reports suggest the damage is already estimated to be A$20 million with that figure set to rise.
#Cattle escape a grass fire burning towards the small township of #Wollar in the greater #Hunter region. @NSWRFS @clique_photos @photosSMH pic.twitter.com/HmuUrHqLal
— Wolter Peeters (@ShooterWol) February 12, 2017
North Coast Local Land Services, the body responsible for the coordination of agriculture and animal services in emergencies such as bushfires and floods, warned farmers that have to evacuate quickly to leave their livestock in the safest paddock on the property.
Emergency services manager, Jo McGoldrick said,”Being prepared for a bush fire can help landholders protect themselves, their livestock and their property.”
“Livestock should be moved to an eaten-out paddock, irrigated pasture or bare yards with a cleared or ploughed perimeter.”