Temperatures soar in Sydney, total fire bans are in place
Health and fire authorities are on alert, as temperatures soar across Sydney.
The mercury had already climbed above 30 degrees in Penrith by 9am.
A total fire ban is in place for the Greater Sydney Region as well as the Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Ranges.
The forecast fire danger for Sydney has been upgraded from “very high” to “severe”.
NSW Ambulance is urging Sydney-siders to take care and use common sense.
NSW Ambulance Inspector John Brotherhood joins Chris Smith with tips to keep cool
Firefighters are battling to contain a blaze burning out of control south-west of Canberra.
Five water-bombing helicopters have been brought in to assist the efforts.
ACT Emergency Services Commissioner Dominic Lane tells Chris Smith the flames started last night.
He joins Chris with the latest