Australia fires: helicopter crashes as 140 bushfires rage in NSW and Queensland - live
(The Guardian World News)

RFS says Gospers Mountain blaze, which has merged with neighbouring fires, will take many weeks to put out 4.56am GMT A shipping container full of fireworks? Really?This is from AAP:A shipping container loaded with fireworks has exploded and residents have been warned to flee as an unpredictable fire closes in on homes in south-east Queensland. The fast-moving blaze is burning in bushland at Bundamba, west of Brisbane, and travelling in a northerly direction from White Street towards the Warrego highway. 4.36am GMT This, I fear, will be the trend for the afternoon. Across the east coast of Australia, fires worsening with strengthening winds, no respite in temperatures.Watch & Act - Blue Gum Road (Tenterfield LGA)Fire is burning SW of Urbenville. Spot fires are starting ahead of the main fire front. If you are in the Wallaby Creek area, seek shelter as the fire approaches. Protect yourself from the heat of the fire. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/Fw0wlqMgOE Continue reading...