We’ll be leaving the blog here for tonight, here’s a recap of what happened today:
Sydney was shrouded in smoke, as the air quality index reached 11 times higher than “hazardous” in many parts of the city.
Nine fires are currently burning at watch and act level, and one at emergency level (the Little L complex fire). The Three Mile fire was at emergency level at 2pm, but was later downgraded to watch and act.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, rejected suggestions that volunteer firefighters should be professionalised, or that the federal government should do more, saying the firefighters “want to be there”.
Cricketers playing in the Sheffield Shield at the SCG said the air was “toxic” and called on the sport to review its air quality policy.
Buildings all over Sydney – including RFS headquarters – were evacuated as the smoke triggered fire alarms.
Today I asked PM how long volunteer firies are supposed to continue without pay, while some crowdfund for food/water. He said the govt gives everything they're asked for, and firies "want to be there"
Emergency warning for Little L Complex, Yengo national park
An emergency warning has just been issued for the Little L Complex fire, in Yengo national park.
This is the first fire to worsen this evening, after others were downgraded during the day.
There is increasing fire in the Glenroy Estate area, near Putty Rd, the RFS says.
EMERGENCY WARNING - Little L Complex, Yengo NP (Singleton LGA) Increasing fire Glenroy Estate area, near Putty Rd. If you're in the area of Glenroy Estate, it's too late to leave. Shelter as the fire approaches. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. #nswrfs#nswfires#alertpic.twitter.com/wX5RzUl0r0
Earlier today, Sheffield Shield cricketers at the SCG said it was “toxic” playing in heavy smoke.
Footage was dramatically hazy but the game was not called off.
Queensland captain Usman Khawaja said it was “hard to breathe” and New South Wales spinner Steve O’Keefe said Cricket Australia needed to take action and look at its air quality policy.
“For someone like me who smokes 40 a day, it’s now smoking 80 cigarettes a day,” he told AAP.
“The one thing they need to look at is the air quality policy. It’s not healthy. It’s toxic ... that was shocking. I don’t have kids but if I did they’d be locked up inside, and if I was at home I wouldn’t be training or playing.”
That rain could fall over fires near Grafton, and the Bangala Creek fire, which is at watch and act, near Tenterfield. Still waiting on an RFS update on this.
Doctors from some of Sydney’s hardest hit areas have spoken to Melissa Davey about the impacts they are seeing in patients.
Dr Kim Loo works in Rouse Hill, which recorded some of the worst air quality ratings today.
“My poor patients, many live on the margins of poverty,” she told Guardian Australia. “They live in houses that aren’t sealed. I know there are guidelines telling people to stay inside if they have certain health conditions, but that’s no good if your house isn’t sealed and you can’t afford an air filter.”
At Circular Quay, ferries are severely delayed and passengers are being told they are running 30 minutes or more late. This comes after cancellations due to bushfires earlier in the day.