Severe bushfires are raging across Victoria as emergency services scramble to combat the flames amid soaring temperatures and dangerous winds. With conditions deemed the worst since the catastrophic Black Summer of 2019-20, over 100 firefighters from New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania have joined local responders to tackle the infernos.
A total fire ban has been enacted across the state, underscoring the unprecedented risk posed by the current heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach mid-40s Celsius and wind gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour.
According to David Nugent, the State Response Controller, the support from interstate crews is greatly appreciated. "Victoria is thrilled to be receiving help from our interstate colleagues during our time of need," Nugent said. This year, the scenes are already alarmingly reminiscent of past devastating years, with significant fires reported at Grampians National Park, Bullengarook, The Gurdies, and Creswick.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief officer, Jason Heffernan, noted the challenges firefighters face due to unfriendly conditions: "There are two major concerns...the fires already burning and any new fires starting as a result of the extreme fire risk." He emphasized the difficulties of suppressing fires under conditions like these.
On December 26, emergency services upgraded local firefighting efforts at Coffeys Road, Bullengarook to “Watch and Act.” "The fire is still contained but is not yet under control," the CFA stated. Reports indicate it could take weeks to fully suppress fires due to the substantial fuel loads across affected areas.
Authorities are urging residents, particularly those near the Grampians, to heed evacuation orders and take necessary precautions. Residents of Mafeking have been particularly vulnerable, with local warnings stating, "It is too late to leave the area safely, so you must take shelter now. You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive." Their advice includes moving to indoor locations, wearing protective clothing, and sealing off homes to prevent heat from entering.
During this crisis, the CFA has activated emergency relief centers to support communities affected by the fires. Disaster assistance payments are available for those whose livelihoods have been impacted, particularly for the Ararat, Northern Grampians, Southern Grampians, and Macedon Ranges regions.
This severe weather has not just affected human settlements, as various wildlife facilities are also bracing for impact. The Halls Gap Zoo has taken precautions by evacuate animals to Werribee Zoo and has activated sprinklers throughout their grounds to provide relief from the heat.
Governor Ben Carroll expressed gratitude to the community for paying heed to fire warnings as conditions remain volatile, stating, "Dangerous fire conditions will prevail through to Saturday, with the real possibility of new fires bursting out."
Forecasters from the Bureau of Meteorology predict future changes and warn of wind gusts capable of starting new blazes. "What this means is, if fires get going or are already going through the Grampians, the weather conditions will make it uncontrollable and uncontainable," said senior meteorologist Dean Narramore.
Reports of environmental destruction have surfaced, with one official estimating the Grampians fire has ravaged over 55,000 hectares. Yet, remarkably, no homes have been officially reported lost at this time. "We know there’s considerable environmental damage... But the firefighters are doing everything possible to protect life and property," Nugent added.
Local councils continue to monitor and announce evacuation centers. Emergency updates have been realized through community broadcasts and online resources, reminding residents to remain alert, check their fire plans, and stay updated on the latest developments.
Crisis management has evolved since the disastrous fires of the past, and Nugent reassured, "We are much more prepared than previous years," highlighting improved infrastructure and response mechanisms. Nevertheless, the unpredictability of weather can still lead to severe consequences.
Given the urgency of the situation, the CFA has called for calm and sensible decisions from residents. "Ignoring warnings could lead to tragic outcomes," Heffernan cautioned.
With firefighting efforts intensifying and communities rallying to confront one of Victoria’s most perilous fire seasons yet, the full resilience of the state is being tested.
