Authorities in Victoria were on high alert for bushfires as temperatures soared on Wednesday afternoon. The state’s control center warned that Victoria was not yet safe from fire threats.
An emergency warning was issued for a grass fire at Kleins Road, Dereel, prompting officials to advise residents of Corindhap, Dereel, Enfield, Mount Mercer, and Rokewood to evacuate immediately if they were not prepared to stay.
By 8 pm, warnings extended to Beaufort, Brewster, Ercildoune, Glenbrae, Langi Kal Kal, Trawalla, and Waterloo, with updates indicating that a bushfire near Bayindeen-Rocky-Road remained active and uncontrollable.
Strong westerly winds were complicating firefighting efforts, and authorities urged residents to evacuate before the fire potentially spread closer.
Residents were urged to evacuate immediately as fire risks and extreme conditions persisted.Catastrophic fire conditions were forecasted for the Wimmera region and half of the state was under an extreme fire danger rating. Early warnings had been issued for western Victoria, urging residents to evacuate. As temperatures rose and winds increased late in the afternoon, authorities remained on high alert.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported temperatures peaking at 43.5°C in Walpeup and 42.6°C in Hopetoun, with gusty winds up to 80km/h expected to continue.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan advised those planning to defend their homes to reconsider due to the extreme conditions, emphasizing that most houses are not equipped to withstand such fires. A cool change was anticipated in central Victoria later in the evening, bringing gusty winds and dry lightning.
The Bayindeen fire, which has burned 22,000 hectares and destroyed six homes, was contained but still being monitored for risks.
Over 30,000 residents in the potential fire zone were urged to leave. Approximately 110 firefighters from New South Wales joined local teams, supported by over 60 aircraft. In South Australia, extreme fire danger was also expected, with seven districts under high alert.