A fire is burning out of control in Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area.
It comes as most of Australia swelters through a heatwave that's sent temperatures over 40degC in many areas of the country.
Newshub's Mitch McCann says authorities are taking the fire extremely seriously.
- Out-of-control fire at forestry block in the Catlins
- Cold weather headed for New Zealand next week
- Weather: Soaring temperatures across New Zealand prompt fire risk warning
He said the fire has now spread more than 10,000 hectares in width and it's threatening a number of small communities west of Tasmania's capital Hobart near Gell River.
Locals have described the fire as "the apocalypse", while another said it's the "worst bushfire sky I've seen over Hobart for a long time".
A satellite image shows smoke billowing out of the area where the Tasmania fire's burning.
The Tasmania Fire Service said the fire is putting homes in the area at risk.
More than 155 firefighters and six aerial crews have been put to task to try and battle the blaze but it's proving to be difficult and dense bush land, McCann says.
A number of holidaymakers have also been evacuated from nearby national parks where they've been camping for the last couple of days.
Authorities on Friday urged people at Maydena, Tyenna and National Park to enact their bushfire plans to evacuate or prepare to defend their properties, Ten Daily reports.
Flights to Hobart have been diverted or delayed.
It's not just Tasmania feeling the heat. Much of Australia is sweltering with Melbourne reaching 45degC on Friday and in Sydney it's expected to be hot over the next couple of days with temperatures expected to reach over 30degC.
It would seem that bush fire season has only just begun.
Newshub.
