An emergency-level bushfire has destroyed homes in northern Victoria, with firefighters battling to contain the fast-moving blaze ahead of forecast catastrophic fire conditions. Residents in affected areas have been urged to leave immediately as the situation threatens lives.
State of Emergency as Blaze Takes Hold
Two emergency warnings remain active for a fire burning at Longwood in Victoria's north. Victoria's Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan confirmed early reports of property losses in the area. "We're getting teams out today to assess that, but early reports coming in to us here indicates that we have some degree of losses," he told ABC TV on Thursday. CFA crews have also confirmed damage to horse paddocks in the region.
The crisis unfolds as south eastern Australia endures the most intense heatwave forecast in six years. South Australians sweltered through 40C heat on Wednesday, with temperatures expected to peak in the high-40Cs in parts of the state on Thursday. Most of South Australia faces severe heatwave conditions, with a total fire ban in place for the mid-north region.
Catastrophic Conditions and Reckless Vandalism
Victoria faces fire dangers at the upper end of extreme on Friday, with the districts of Wimmera, Northern Country and North Central forecast to reach catastrophic levels. State Control Centre spokesman David Nugent warned that a catastrophic fire danger rating represents the most dangerous set of conditions for firefighters. "If a fire starts and takes hold, lives and homes are likely to be lost," he stated.
In a reckless act complicating emergency efforts, police are investigating after a CFA fire danger sign was cut down in the town of Koonoomoo on Wednesday. Thieves stole the sign's solar battery, leaving behind an estimated $60,000 in damage. "To damage a sign that alerts the community to the fire danger rating is completely reckless and dangerous," said Detective Acting Sergeant Leah Booth.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Bri Macpherson explained that Friday will be a significant fire danger day. Vegetation dried out by lingering hot air, combined with winds and dry thunderstorms, dramatically increases the risk of ignition.
Heatwave Expands with Health Warnings
The severe weather system is set to move into the ACT and NSW from Thursday through the weekend. The national capital is expected to peak at 38C on both Thursday and Friday. In NSW, temperatures are rising into the high 30Cs to low 40Cs as severe and extreme heatwaves grip the state's southeast, eastern and inland districts.
Authorities have issued specific health warnings ahead of Sydney's forecast 42C peak on Saturday. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are advised to avoid outdoor exercise, as the heatwave is expected to cause poor air quality in the city's southwest and northwest. NSW's Environment Department notes this factor, which can exacerbate lung and health issues, generally builds during hot conditions, peaking in the mid-to-late afternoon.
Firefighting authorities are preparing for the worst. Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said ground crews are preparing for aggressive first attacks to douse any new blazes before they can take hold. A total fire ban is in place for the Mallee, North Central, North East and Northern Country regions of Victoria on Thursday.
