Temperatures have begun to soar as the east coast of New South Wales experiences its first heatwave of the summer, while in Tasmania fire authorities continue to battle several bushfires.

Heatwave warnings were also in place for parts of the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia on Friday, including an extreme heatwave warning in WA’s Pilbara region.

The Tasmania Fire Service said firefighting efforts were focused on Dolphin Sands in the state’s east with residents who had left the area overnight advised it was not yet safe to return.

Sign up: AU Breaking News email

Simon Pilkington, the southern regional chief for the fire service, said on Friday morning the service was “aware of property losses in Dolphin Sands, and will be completing rapid impact assessments this morn

See Full Page