Cooler weather predicted but in some areas the fire danger will rise due to winds.

Crews still alert to code red bushfire threat (southern Australia) Fire authorities say a cool change that is due to sweep across southern Australia later today is likely to increase the risk of bushfires.

The catastrophic code red fire rating applies to the north and north-east regions of Victoria as well as most of the New South Wales south west.

The fire risk is rated as extreme in Victoria's Mallee and North Central regions. (Joybell lives in a nearby region) (more)

Wagga Wagga on alert as winds whip up fires (NSW) A catastrophic fire rating is in force for most of the south west of New South Wales as winds pick up and temperatures remain above 40 degrees. (more)

Eric Bogle lyrics here in .pdf

Listen to snippet of 'The BushfireSong' by Nigel Foote