Victoria is preparing for its most dangerous fire conditions in six years, with authorities declaring a catastrophic fire danger rating for multiple districts and urging thousands of residents to evacuate immediately. The threat level is the highest since the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires.
State on Highest Alert as Conditions Deteriorate
A catastrophic fire danger rating is in place for Friday for the Southwest, Wimmera, Northern Country and Northern Central districts. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch stated this is the first time multiple districts have faced a catastrophic rating since November 21, 2019.
Residents in these areas have been instructed to leave by 7am Friday, regardless of whether there is an active fire nearby. An extreme fire rating will cover the rest of the state, accompanied by a total fire ban.
"We know the devastating impacts that we saw in the east of our state during those 2019/2020 fires," Commissioner Wiebusch said. He warned that a combination of wind, heat, and dry lightning would create the potential for "unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast moving fires."
Active Blazes and Dire Warnings for Campers
Two significant fires are already burning out of control in Victoria. The blaze at Longwood in the state's central north has drawn a massive response from 400 firefighters, but CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan warned it would not be contained on Thursday. The fire has already consumed nearly 3000 hectares, started near the Hume Highway, and resulted in the loss of two structures.
A second out-of-control fire is burning 25km west of Walwa, also covering close to 3000 hectares and moving from the Mt Lawson National Park.
Authorities issued a stark warning to holidaymakers, particularly those camping in national parks and along popular rivers and the Great Ocean Road. Forest Fire Management Victoria's Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman was unequivocal: "We want people to enjoy Victoria but it's too dangerous. It is not survivable."
Black Summer Legacy and Current Mobilisation
The memory of the Black Summer fires looms large. That season resulted in five deaths, the destruction of over 300 homes, and the burning of more than 1.5 million hectares of land across Victoria.
Firefighting efforts are being significantly bolstered for Friday's extreme conditions. Support is arriving from 92 personnel from the NSW Rural Fire Service, and over 70 aircraft, including the national Black Hawk helicopter, will be available.
With temperatures forecast to hit 41C in Melbourne and the mid-40s in other regions, Commissioner Wiebusch urged people to look after themselves and each other by staying hydrated and seeking cool areas where possible.
Chief Officer Heffernan's final plea to residents was clear: "Catastrophic is as bad as it gets. Do not wait for a warning. You must be ready to take action and enact your bush fire survival plan."
