Victoria Braces for Catastrophic Bushfire Apocalypse: Thousands Flee as State Faces Worst Fire Conditions Since Black Summer
- Thousands told to evacuate as catastrophic fire danger rating forecast for Southwest, Wimmera, Northern Country and Northern Central districts
- Extreme fire ratings and total fire ban declared across the state, with temperatures set to soar to 41C in Melbourne
- Two active fires burning, with 400 firefighters battling the Longwood blaze, which has already destroyed two structures
- Emergency Management Commissioner warns of “unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast-moving fires” with devastating impacts expected
Victoria is on high alert as the state faces its worst fire conditions since the devastating Black Summer bushfires six years ago. Thousands have been told to evacuate, with a catastrophic fire danger rating forecast for the Southwest, Wimmera, Northern Country and Northern Central districts.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch issued a stark warning, saying the conditions are as bad as they get. “We know the devastating impacts that we saw in the east of our state during those 2019/2020 fires,” he said. “We’re expecting many communities to be impacted by these fires.”
The Longwood blaze, which started on the side of the Hume Hwy, has already destroyed two structures, with 400 firefighters battling to contain it. CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan warned that the fire will not be contained on Thursday, with thousands of people in the area told to evacuate immediately.
“Catastrophic is as bad as it gets,” Heffernan said. “Do not wait for a warning. You must be ready to take action and enact your bushfire survival plan.” Holidaymakers camping in national parks have also been warned to get out, with areas considered far too dangerous.
Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman urged people to enjoy Victoria, but not at the risk of their lives. “If you are camping on the Goulburn River, the Campaspe River, the Murray River, along Lake Eildon and surrounds, the Great Ocean Road — all of these incredibly popular areas — we want you to get out,” he said.
Firefighting efforts will be bolstered on Friday with 92 personnel from the NSW Rural Fire Service coming to support, while over 70 aircraft will be available, including the national Black Hawk helicopter. Temperatures are forecast to reach 41C in Melbourne, with the mid-40s expected in other parts of the state.
Wiebusch urged people to look after themselves and each other by staying hydrated and in cool areas if possible. V/Line train and coach services operating in the catastrophic fire districts have been cancelled on Friday, with impacted train services including Albury, Ararat, Bendigo, Echuca, Maryborough, Seymour, Shepparton, Swan Hill and the Warrnambool lines.
