Residents ordered to evacuate as life-threatening bushfires hit Victoria
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- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Communities in southwest Victoria are being told to leave immediately as fast-moving bushfires burn out of control during a severe heatwave.
A statewide total fire ban is active, with temperatures forecast to surge close to 50°C on Tuesday. Authorities warn worsening heat and strong winds could make fires unpredictable and impossible to contain in some areas.
Evacuation orders
Emergency warnings have been issued for residents in:
Barongarook, Gellibrand, Kawarren and Lovat
Bucheen Creek, Cravensville
Southern Nariel Valley and surrounding areas
People in these locations are urged to leave now. Officials say it is not safe to return to several fire-affected zones.
Additional “watch and act” alerts cover parts of the Otways, Carlisle River–Gellibrand, and the Wonnangatta–Dargo region. More than 1,000 properties are considered at risk.
Fire authorities said overnight backburning helped slow some fronts, but a strong wind change expected late in the day could drive rapid fire spread.
Emergency services warn they may be unable to assist those who choose to stay.
Heatwave intensifies fire danger
The fires are being worsened by an intense, multi-day heat event across southern Australia.
Melbourne could reach 45°C, its hottest day in nearly 20 years.
Western Victorian towns may push into the mid-to-high 40s.
An extreme heatwave warning is in place for Victoria’s northeast and East Gippsland.
Severe heatwave conditions cover much of the rest of the state.
Forecasters say some locations could challenge January and all-time temperature records.
Scorching conditions nationwide
The heat is affecting multiple states:
South Australia
Ceduna recorded temperatures near 50°C, among the state’s highest on record.
Adelaide is forecast to climb into the 40s before a late cool change.
New South Wales
Several inland towns have already seen temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s.
Extreme and severe heatwave warnings cover large parts of the state.
Sydney is expected to be much cooler, peaking around the high 20s.
Safety message
Authorities stress that extreme heat and bushfires are a deadly combination. Older people, children, pregnant women and those with health conditions are most at risk.
Residents in warning areas should monitor official emergency updates and act without delay.
Source : News.com.au
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