Homes Threatened as Bushfire Rages South-East of Perth and Storms Hit Queensland and Northern Territory
A bushfire continues to burn about 200km south-east of Perth near Bannister, Wuraming, and Boddington, with the risk alert recently downgraded to watch and act. The fire, believed to have started at the Boddington goldmine, remains uncontrolled and uncontained amid expectations of shifting winds. Temperatures across much of the southwest land division are in the high 30s to low 40s Celsius, with dry and gusty easterly winds fueling the fire danger. Increased humidity and consolidated containment lines have helped improve fire behaviour, according to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
In the north-west, a monsoon trough is bringing showers, rain, and thunderstorms to Queensland, prompting residents to stay alert for possible flooding. The Northern Territory is also bracing for intense rains and storms. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, a partial crane collapse occurred amidst winds exceeding 80 km/h, leading to a police emergency declaration though no injuries were reported.
On Boxing Day, Australians were urged to remain vigilant as floods and fires threatened homes across the country.
