Hundreds told to evacuate as out-of-control bushfire threatens Victoria’s Otways amid record heat
MELBOURNE, Australia — Authorities ordered hundreds of people to evacuate rural communities in southeast Australia as an out-of-control bushfire threatened towns in Victoria’s Otways region during a punishing heatwave that pushed temperatures toward state records.
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Emergency warnings expanded to additional rural districts as fire conditions deteriorated. “Due to extreme weather today, the fire is predicted to rapidly expand and pose a threat to communities,” authorities said, urging residents to leave early rather than wait until smoke and flames made roads impassable.
The entire state of Victoria was under a total fire ban with six major bushfires burning, according to emergency services. Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the combination of searing heat and strengthening winds was primed to test crews working in steep, forested terrain.
“Conditions are heating up across the state, and we’re seeing those 40 degree temperatures roll in,” Heffernan told public broadcaster ABC. “Firefighters on the ground will now start to really notice how hot it is getting, and they’ll really start to notice the picking up of the winds.”
Preliminary Bureau of Meteorology data showed the temperature in the northwestern Victorian towns of Walpeup and Hopetoun peaking at 48.9C (120F), nudging past the state record of 48.8C. Officials said the reading would require verification before it could be declared an official record. In Melbourne, the heat forced Australian Open organizers to close the roof on the main arena to protect players and fans, with the city forecast to reach 45C.
Hot air has settled over wide areas of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, raising the fire threat across parched grasslands and bush. Authorities warned that any new ignitions could spread rapidly under the forecast winds.
Health officials urged residents to take the heatwave seriously. “Prolonged heat can affect anyone and when high heat continues for a number of days it can affect your health,” Victoria Chief Health Officer Caroline McElnay said. The elderly, children and people with underlying conditions face the highest risk, she added.
McElnay warned that extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and can trigger heart attacks or stroke. She advised people to stay cool and hydrated, limit physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives. Symptoms to watch for include dizziness, cramps, a rapid pulse, high body temperature and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
Authorities said residents should closely monitor official alerts, prepare evacuation plans in advance and avoid driving through smoke or fire-affected roads. Fire agencies also reminded people that total fire bans prohibit activities that could spark new blazes, including the use of machinery that generates sparks.
With temperatures forecast to remain high and winds strengthening, officials said the next 24 hours would be critical in containing the Otways fire and preventing flare-ups across the state.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
