Australia wildfires: ‘Truly terrifying’ video shows moment bushfire envelops firefighters in truck
Crew were forced to shelter in vehicle, fire service says
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Your support makes all the difference.Firefighters driving through burning woodland filmed the moment a wildfire overran their truck.
The blaze ravaging the surrounding area gained momentum and moved towards their vehicle, a video shared by the New South Wales fire service shows.
In the video, someone can be heard shouting to “put the blanket up” as the camera shakes and the fire becomes more intense, raging past them and enveloping their truck.
“This video showing the moment their truck was overrun by the bushfire”, said Fire and Rescue NSW.
“The crew was forced to shelter in their truck as the fire front passed through.”
The fire service replied to concerned comments under the video on Twitter, saying “the crew are ok”.
“Truly terrifying,” said one user. “Real heroes,” said another reply, adding: “Thank you for your service”.
The crew were dealing with a bushfire south of Nowra in New South Wales, according to Fire and Rescue NSW.
Their surroundings were painted red by the fire as they travelled through the woodlands with sparks hitting their vehicle.
The blazes moves towards them until large flames are seen billowing close to the truck and crossing the road.
As the sky turns black, nearby tree trunks are left burning.
New South Wales has been badly hit by wildfires that have devastated Australia for several months.
The death toll has now risen to 12, after reports of a father and son were killed while defending their home in the state.
Australia’s minister for defence said army aircraft and vessels have now been deployed to support authorities in New South Wales and Victoria.
Since blazes started in September, five million hectares (12 million acres) of land has been torched, covering an area larger than the size of Belgium.
Thousands headed to beaches on Australia’s east coast to find safety on Tuesday as fires raged nearby.
Around 4,000 people who left their homes in Victoria have been urged to move into the sea if the blazes surrounding the town of Mallacoota continue to worsen.
Some have been forced to camp on wharves or have been evacuated by boat.
Scott Morrison, the prime minister, has vowed Sydney’s firework display for New Year’s Eve will go ahead.
Other planned fireworks for the celebration have been cancelled over fears they could exacerbate the bushfires.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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