Scorching temperatures and gusty winds have ignited high to extreme fire danger warnings across Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania this weekend, raising alarms among residents and emergency services. Following predictions of north winds dragging hot inland air toward the southeastern states, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued forecasts indicating extreme fire danger for parts of western and central Victoria, including Melbourne, as well as sections of South Australia like the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Weather reports suggest maximum temperatures could soar between six to twelve degrees above average across the regions, with Melbourne expected to hit 37 degrees Celsius, and Adelaide reaching similar highs of around 38 degrees. Tasmania will face elevated fire risks as existing blazes continue to burn, with temperatures forecasted to peak at 29 degrees for Hobart and 32 degrees for Launceston.
Jonathan How, senior meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology, stated, “It will be quite windy through Saturday across South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. Then on Saturday night, we do see another pulse of strong winds coming through parts of central Victoria.” This weather scenario presents the potential for dry lightning, which could exacerbate fire conditions throughout the states.
On Saturday evening, emergency conditions varied across different locations. A grassfire raging near Willowmavin, central Victoria, prompted emergency access for over 30 units to battle the blaze between Lancefield and Kilmore. Luke Hegarty, spokesperson for the State Control Centre, remarked, “Thankfully, at the moment, the quick response of crews has meant those fires have been kept reasonably small.” An initial emergency warning for nearby residents to take shelter was recently downgraded to advice level.
Fire bans are now fully effective across the Central Districts of Victoria for the next 24 hours as authorities remain on high alert. “For the next 24 hours, we are expecting things to remain hot and windy, particularly during the evening,” Hegarty cautioned. With warm, windy conditions likely to persist overnight, officials highlighted the severe danger any new fire ignitions could pose.
Alongside Victoria, total fire bans have also been implemented across Tasmania, where more than 94,500 hectares of forest and world heritage wilderness have already burned since multiple fires were sparked by lightning strikes earlier this month. State Fire Commander Matt Lowe urged community cooperation to adhere to fire bans. “If you've had a fire in the past week, please check it now to be sure it is fully extinguished,” he warned.
Warnings remain active for various regions, particularly Granville Harbour, where residents were advised to evacuate due to high risks from nearby blazes expected to converge later. “Embers, smoke, and ash may fall on Granville Harbour, threatening residents and their homes before the main fire arrives,” the alert stated.
Local authorities continue to coordinate efforts to combat these bushfires, utilizing air support and ground units to manage the situation effectively. “Our three fire agencies are working together for the complex of fires on the state's west coast, monitoring for any potential outbreaks,” Lowe confirmed, reinforcing the collective approach to minimize risks.
The overall fire conditions throughout the region have led to extreme fire danger warnings across much of South Australia and Victoria, creating urgency for residents to shelter indoors due to rampant bushfires. A spokesperson at the State Control Centre reiterated, “The information is, you’re in danger, act now to protect yourself. It’s too late to leave.” Areas like western Victoria have already seen significant bushfire activity this summer, with the Grampians/Gariwerd and Little Desert National Parks adversely affected.
Most of these blazes are now under control; nevertheless, new ignitions remain highly possible due to the relentless heat and dry winds pushing through the region. Angus Hines, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, pointed out the challenging conditions related to fire management owing to the sweltering weather. “Existing bushfires, as well as any new ignitions, can spread quickly and behave erratically,” Hines warned.
Authorities expect some relief from these oppressive conditions by Sunday as cooler winds are projected to sweep through South Australia, followed by respite for Victoria and Tasmania. Still, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory may continue to experience elevated temperatures well past early this week.
Contingency plans are already on standby with resources earmarked to tackle emergency fire incidents as needed. Residents throughout the affected states are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared to take protective measures. Moving forward, fire management teams will continuously monitor the situation to adapt response strategies accordingly.