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As Victoria faces one of its hottest days in years, fires in the west of the state have put communities on high alert. Temperatures have soared past 40°C, and with strong winds and dry conditions, the risk of fires spreading is escalating.
The Little Desert National Park, located in western Victoria, is currently the epicenter of these dangerous fires, where dry lightning has ignited multiple blazes. The fires are moving rapidly toward private land, raising concerns about their impact on nearby communities. Local authorities are urging visitors and campers to evacuate immediately as the fire danger remains extreme.
Luke Heagerty, from the State Control Centre, shared with ABC Radio that the fires were growing rapidly due to the dry lightning that preceded the winds. While some isolated storm cells have moved through the area, the fire risk has intensified in the Wimmera region, with wind changes expected to worsen the situation.
Evacuations and Emergency Measures
Firefighting efforts in the affected areas are proving difficult due to the sandy terrain, which hinders fire truck access. To combat this, authorities are using aerial firefighting techniques. Staff at the Little Desert Nature Lodge, located near the northern edge of the park, are on standby, ready to evacuate to Nhill if necessary. Fortunately, most guests had already left, allowing staff to focus on safety protocols.
Simultaneously, another grassfire has broken out near Rokewood, north-west of Geelong. The fire is rapidly spreading southeast, with residents in Barunah Park, Corindhap, Rokewood, Shelford, and Warrambine being urged to leave. The situation remains volatile as the fire burns out of control.
Power Outages in Victoria Amid Heatwave
As if the fires weren’t enough, a band of lightning near Phillip Island has caused widespread power outages in the Bass Coast area, leaving around 5,000 homes and businesses without electricity. Additional outages were reported in Croydon, Ringwood East, and Cranbourne due to fallen trees. Power crews are working tirelessly to restore electricity and ensure that downed power lines don’t spark additional fires.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the heat will intensify throughout the day, with temperatures 12 to 14 degrees above average for January. A gusty cool change is expected in the evening, which could bring a significant drop in temperatures, but until then, the heatwave and fire conditions remain a critical threat.
Fire Danger Rating and Travel Warnings
With extreme fire danger ratings in place for five districts — Mallee, Wimmera, Central, North Central, and South West — the Country Fire Authority (CFA) has issued total fire bans and urged travelers to stay informed. People in these areas are advised to act swiftly, as conditions are expected to worsen through the afternoon. The CFA is emphasizing the importance of having a fire safety plan in place, especially since the heat is expected to last well into February, one of Victoria’s busiest months for fires.
The V/Line network is also affected by the heatwave, with extreme heat timetables in place, causing potential delays for passengers. Authorities are urging travelers to plan ahead and check for updates on their travel schedules.
Ongoing Fire Efforts
While the fire in the Grampians National Park, which had been burning since December 17, is now under control, fire officials are focused on preventing flare-ups. The Grampians fire is being carefully monitored, and authorities are hopeful that it will remain contained.
The situation in Victoria remains dire as the state grapples with extreme heat and multiple fires across various regions. With the summer heat far from over, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow fire safety protocols closely.
Conclusion
The fires in Victoria are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme heat and dry conditions. As the state battles scorching temperatures, residents and visitors must stay informed and take necessary precautions. The ongoing firefighting efforts and emergency measures are crucial in limiting the damage, but the coming days will be critical as fire danger remains high across the state.
