Several communities in Victoria’s west are facing urgent evacuation orders as firefighters battle a series of bushfires fueled by a sudden heatwave.
Hot, dry, and windy conditions have created a dangerous fire environment across southern Australia, with total fire bans in effect and areas experiencing catastrophic fire danger levels.
On Saturday afternoon, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) issued an emergency warning for parts of Dereel, 33km south of Ballarat, where an out-of-control bushfire was spreading along Camms Road.
Residents between Geggies Road and Gumley Road were told to evacuate immediately as conditions worsened.
Nearby towns including Barunah Park, Mount Mercer, and Shelford were also placed under a “watch and act” warning, with authorities urging locals to leave before the fire escalated.
Further south, around 200 residents in Gellibrand, near Colac, were also ordered to evacuate due to a bushfire at Railway Line Road in Kawarren. The fire was burning towards Frys Road and was still not under control.
Heatwaves and strong winds intensify bushfires, prompting urgent evacuation orders for multiple towns.The CFA emphasized that evacuation was the safest option, warning that emergency services may not be able to assist those who chose to stay behind.
The unpredictable nature of bushfires, fueled by high temperatures and gusty winds, increases the risk of serious injury or death.
The heatwave driving these fires has seen temperatures soar by 6 to 12°C above average across much of southern Australia.
In South Australia, temperatures climbed to the high 30s and 40s, with catastrophic fire danger warnings for the Eyre and Yorke peninsulas.
In Victoria, central areas and parts of the Mallee and Wimmera regions were also under extreme fire danger, with total fire bans in place.
As the situation remains dire, authorities are urging residents in fire-prone areas to stay informed, be ready to evacuate, and prioritize their safety.
With further heat expected and the possibility of dry lightning sparking new fires, the crisis is far from over.