Fires Throughout Cape York Peninsula During Dry Season, Australia – December 6th, 2012
16.4S 142.2E
Australia – December 4th, 2012
Wildfires are burning throughout Cape York Peninsula, the northernmost part of Australia, in Queensland. Smoke plumes from multiple fires are visible billowing in various directions, but mostly towards the west.
Fires are common in this region of Australia at this time of year, since humidity drops and temperatures rise beginning with the arrival of the dry season in March, meaning that by the end of November, grasses and woodland trees have reached a very flammable state. Over the last few days, winds blowing at about 20 kilometers (12 miles) per hour have helped sustain fires that were likely started by lightning and human activity.
