Victoria is bracing for potentially devastating bushfire conditions as extreme and catastrophic fire danger ratings cover the entire state. This comes after a day of intense heat and ongoing fire activity, with emergency services expressing significant concern for Friday.
Heatwave Fuels Fire Risk
Wednesday saw temperatures soar, reaching 44.3 degrees Celsius in Longerenong, near Horsham, and exceeding 40 degrees in Melbourne before cooling to 30 degrees by 8pm. Thursday’s forecast is for a high of 30 degrees. Northern Victoria is currently under extreme fire danger ratings, while southern regions face high danger.
Active Fires and Emergency Warnings
Currently, two bushfires and several grass fires are burning across the state. Emergency services reported, as of 2.30pm, that no injuries have been reported and no property has been damaged. However, the situation remains volatile.
Residents near Longwood, south-east of Euroa, have been warned it is too dangerous to leave and are being urged to shelter in place as an uncontrolled bushfire burns in the area. A separate, out-of-control bushfire at Mount Lawson State Park, east of Wodonga, has already destroyed over 1500 hectares. Residents in Bungil and Thologolong have been advised to evacuate immediately.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch urged residents to “Prepare now and enact your bushfire survival plan.” He specifically advised those in areas forecast to experience catastrophic fire danger to “leave early to an area with a lower fire risk.”
Travel Disruptions
The extreme heat on Wednesday caused significant disruptions to Melbourne’s train network, with major delays reported. V/Line services were also operating on a reduced timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current fire situation?
Two bushfires and several grass fires are currently burning in Victoria. Residents near Longwood are urged to shelter, while those near Mount Lawson State Park are advised to evacuate.
What is the forecast for Friday?
Either extreme or catastrophic fire conditions are forecast across the entire state on Friday, prompting significant concern from emergency services.
What advice are emergency services giving?
Emergency services are urging residents to prepare their bushfire survival plans and, if in an area of forecast catastrophic fire danger, to leave early for a safer location.
As conditions continue to evolve, will residents heed the warnings and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities?
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