Australians told to 'get out', stay close to water

Nearly a quarter of a million Australians have been urged to evacuate their homes as blistering temperatures soared again on Friday(January 10).

The mood is tense.

Erratic winds are forecast across the east coast threatening to intensify the flames.

In South Australia, residents of Kangaroo Island heeded the warning and many camped close to the water overnight.

A third of the island has been swallowed up by fire it's a popular tourist spot known for its wildlife and koalas have been scorched by the raging fires.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BUSHFIRE EVACUEE, NAME UNKNOWN, SAYING:

"Yeah, a bit stressed but we think the safest place is to be near the sea so if you have to go in the water you can. And, we've got plenty of, you know, open space here. We're just hoping maybe the wind might change a bit."

Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other recent catastrophic fires around the world.

Combining 2019's fires in California, Brazil and Indonesia still amounts to less than half the burned area in Australia.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Australian army was supporting evacuations with helicopters dropping supplies into communities cut off by fires.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON, SAYING:

"Today I've noted the severe and extreme conditions that are across two states. What I've said in my briefings this morning with the ADF (Australian Defence Force) is I've given them very clear instructions that they are to stand ready to move and support immediately in the event that they are needed in the wake of what we hope we will not see today but we must prepare for today. "

Australia's government has been criticised for downplaying any direct link between climate change and the devastating bushfires.

This has prompted campaigners to plan worldwide protests for Friday.