As fire conditions in New South Wales are predicted to worsen, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has instituted a seven-day state of emergency allowing forced evacuations. Thousands have already fled the fire-ravaged eastern coast, and military evacuations are underway. Recent cooler weather aided firefighting efforts, but with the return of high temperatures and strong winds, officials warn of potentially catastrophic conditions. At least 381 homes have been lost and the death toll has risen to 12, with 17 individuals still missing. Authorities have ordered a mass evacuation of tourists along the south coast.
"We don't take these decisions lightly but we also want to make sure we're taking every single precaution to be prepared for what could be a horrible day on Saturday."
"There is every potential that the conditions on Saturday will be as bad or worse than we saw (on Tuesday)," warned New South Wales Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers.
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