So the entire state is covered by bushfires and has been since early December, right? OK, maybe not all of it - we've been lucky where we are but most of the coastal plain has had them and today has been utterly awful for the people further down the coast. Quite literally some of them have been driven off the land and onto naval ships which had been waiting off the coast.

The south coast was described as being "like a blast furnace" today with hot north westerly winds bringing hot, dry air.

This evening a cool southerly change came through, bringing much temperature relief. However, since it came from the south, and the fires are from the south... yes, it has brought with it thick, choking smoke. No, I haven't failed with my use of the contrast controls, this is what the sodding sky looks like right now.

And in that sky are squadrons upon squadrons of bats. Why? Because most of their normal habitat is either charred cinders or is in the process of turning into that. This is one of the few areas with relatively untouched vegetation for the moment.

At the time of typing there are still 12 fires listed under the category of "Emergency Warning" and another 10 which are "out of control".

Happy new year...