Victoria Braces for Extreme Fire Conditions: Heat and Storms Fuel Unprecedented Fire Forecast
Victoria is on high alert as half the state faces extreme fire conditions tomorrow, with a scorching day and gusty storms in the forecast. Authorities have declared a total fire ban from midnight across several districts, including Wimmera, South West, North Central, Central, West and South Gippsland.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts temperatures in the mid-30s Celsius for much of Victoria, with north to north-westerly winds reaching 30-40 kilometers per hour from dawn around the Central Ranges and the Otways in the state's southwest. Senior meteorologist Briony Macpherson warns that these winds, combined with hot and dry air, will elevate fire dangers significantly.
However, the danger is expected to peak when a cool change brings severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and damaging winds of up to 90 kph in some areas. While the wind change will provide some temperature relief, it will also make firefighting efforts challenging if any fires ignite.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch expresses concern for all areas from Victoria's west through to West and South Gippsland, including grassland areas between Melbourne's northwest suburbs and Geelong. He warns that fast-moving fires could break out near populated areas, as seen in Friday's Clarkfield blaze.
Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Gavin Freeman emphasizes the importance of all Victorians in fire-risk areas, including urban residents, revising their bushfire plans. He advises against outdoor activities that could potentially start fires, especially in dry conditions.
Regional rail operator V/Line has announced that services will run on extreme heat timetables on several lines, including Ararat, Ballarat, Geelong, Maryborough, Seymour, Shepparton, and Warrnambool. This means slower train speeds and some services replaced by air-conditioned buses to ensure passenger safety.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there's a glimmer of hope as Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch reveals that the Walwa bushfire in the state's northeast and the Longwood blaze in central Victoria, both burning for over a month, have now been controlled. Community recovery operations are underway, with teams from Disaster Relief Australia and BlazeAid assisting in Longwood and Harcourt.
The Otways fire remains the only blaze yet to be contained, but crews are optimistic it will be brought under control by the end of the week. As Victoria prepares for the upcoming fire season, it's crucial for residents to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and be ready to act if necessary.
