Firefighters across Victoria are battling severe bushfire conditions as the state experiences a heatwave, with temperatures soaring beyond 40°C. Melbourne is among the areas feeling the impact, as temperatures peaked at 42°C, while regions like Mildura and Swan Hill in the north-west recorded highs of 43°C. With these dangerous conditions, a total fire ban has been enforced across multiple regions, including Melbourne, Wimmera, and Mallee.
Authorities issued a “watch and act” alert for residents near the Little Desert National Park, urging them to leave immediately due to rapidly spreading fires. This alert was later extended to surrounding towns, heightening concerns for local communities. Similarly, an out-of-control grass fire near Rokewood prompted emergency warnings, affecting several nearby areas.
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State Control Centre spokesman Luke Heagerty emphasized that dry lightning and strong winds were intensifying the threat of fires, particularly around Little Desert. Emergency services are working hard to contain the blazes, but the combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and powerful winds has made the fires difficult to control. Tourists and campers in affected areas were advised to evacuate immediately.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a cool change by evening, with temperatures expected to drop sharply. However, the relief will come with gusty winds that could reach up to 80 km/h, posing new challenges for firefighters. Power outages have also affected over 5,000 homes, adding to the growing concerns in the state.
