The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is urging Kiwis to "stay safe" in the vicinity of the Australian bushfires as the officials in New South Wales warn travellers to stay off the roads. Catastrophic fire warnings are in place across the state and 23 roads are closed. Travellers have been urged to avoid roads in the vicinity of fires, which continue to worsen. "We are asking everybody not to travel on roads anywhere near the vicinity of an active fire unless you absolutely have to," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. In a statement on the Safe Travel website, MFAT said: "If you're in or near an affected area, stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities."

Source: Stuff December 21, 2019 23:03 UTC