SYDNEY, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Around 2,500 lightning strikes have ignited dozens of fires across Australia's southern island State of Tasmania on Tuesday, adding to a number of dangerous blazes which crews are already battling.
"We have several fires that we have identified through members of the public and strategic spotter flights yesterday and this morning, however due to the sheer amount of lightning strikes that hit landfall across a broad area, more fires may be identified as the days progress," Tasmanian Fire Service southern region fire controller Mark Dobson said on Wednesday.
The lightning storm was unusually high in the atmosphere and was what is known as "dry," meaning there was an absence of rain, creating a greatly increased chance of fire ignition on the ground.
Fire crews have already spent the start of the year battling remote blazes throughout the state's wilderness which due to their inaccessibility are proving particularly difficult to manage.
The uncontrolled Gell River bushfire has burnt more than 20,000 hectares northwest of state capital Hobart since December, with predictions that it will continue to burn for the rest of the summer.
Water bombing operations are providing support from the air but in some instances personnel has to trek up to two hours to reach locations.
Authorities have asked visitors to the popular bushwalking destination to reconsider leisure plans close to affected areas.
