Australians in Victoria face stark warnings as extreme heatwave conditions grip large parts of the country. Authorities warned residents to prepare for property loss or worse as dangerous fire conditions escalate. Forecasts show record-breaking temperatures across most states and territories on Friday and Saturday. Victoria and South Australia face the highest risk due to intense heat and strong winds.
Catastrophic fire danger declared across Victoria
Victoria imposed a total fire ban as every region received catastrophic or extreme fire danger ratings. Fire authorities described conditions as worsening rapidly across the state. Country Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan warned residents to expect severe impacts. He said conditions shifted from extreme to catastrophic within a single day.
Record heat fuels dangerous conditions
Melbourne temperatures are expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius on Friday. Parts of north-west Victoria may see temperatures climb to 45 degrees Celsius. Forecasters expect a cool change later in the south-west, offering limited relief. Authorities warned that heat and wind continue to drive unpredictable fire behavior.
Longwood fire devastates communities
A major bushfire near Longwood in central Victoria burned nearly 36,000 hectares. Authorities confirmed at least 20 homes were destroyed in the town of Ruffy. Local fire captain George Noye described severe damage across the community. He said the main street suffered extensive destruction, including the loss of a school.
Residents lost homes, livelihoods, sheds, and livestock in the blaze. Noye described the damage as absolutely devastating for affected families. He confirmed no deaths were reported at the time, offering some relief amid destruction.
Authorities search for missing residents
Victoria’s state control centre described the Longwood fire as incredibly dynamic and fast moving. Officials warned the fire could spread beyond initial estimates. Police confirmed three people remain unaccounted for in the Longwood area. Officers previously warned them to shelter because evacuation was too late.
Fire crews later returned and found the property destroyed. Authorities could not locate the missing residents. Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill urged caution and said officials kept an open mind. He said the people may still be safe.
Fire bans spread beyond Victoria
The Australian Capital Territory declared a total fire ban for the first time in six years. The territory includes the national capital, Canberra. Officials cited extreme heat and heightened fire risk. Authorities urged residents to remain alert and avoid activities that could spark fires.
More fires burn as temperatures soar
Another fire near Walwa in north-east Victoria burned more than 17,000 hectares. Fire crews continued battling blazes across multiple regions. Heffernan urged all Victorians to stay on high alert. He said danger extended far beyond the largest fires.
He warned that new fires ignited near communities throughout the day. He said officials expected more outbreaks as conditions worsened. In South Australia, firefighters tackled several smaller fires overnight. Temperatures there could reach 46 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Brief relief expected in New South Wales
Sydney temperatures are forecast to reach 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Forecasters expect cooler weather by Sunday. Temperatures may drop to around 26 degrees Celsius. Authorities warned residents to remain cautious until conditions fully ease.
