Residents in parts of Victoria have been issued a dire warning: leave immediately or take shelter now, as devastating bushfires threaten to engulf large areas of the state.
Grampians National Park Blaze Spreads
The fire, which started a week ago, has already burned through more than 43,000 hectares of land and is spreading rapidly due to hot winds. By Thursday afternoon, authorities had issued multiple “leave immediately” and “take shelter now” warnings to residents in areas surrounding the Grampians National Park.
“Take Shelter Immediately, It’s Too Late to Leave”
The warnings are stark: “You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.” Residents in areas including Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Grampians Junction, Halls Gap, and Bornes Hill have been told to take shelter indoors immediately, as it’s now too late to safely evacuate.
How to Stay Safe
If you’re taking shelter, move indoors, wear fire-resistant clothing like pure cotton or wool, and leather shoes. Close doors and windows, and shelter in a room with multiple exits. If your house catches fire, move rooms and close doors behind you. If necessary, exit the house and move to an area that has already been burned.
Worst-Case Scenarios
The warnings are dire because the consequences of staying in a burning building are extreme. “Staying inside a burning building will almost certainly end in death,” authorities warn. If you can’t get indoors, try to shelter in the middle of a large open area and protect yourself from the fire’s heat.
Total Fire Ban in Place
A total fire ban has been declared across Victoria and parts of South Australia, with residents urged to flee and avoid non-essential travel. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared an “extreme” fire warning for most of Victoria, with temperatures expected to soar above 40C on Boxing Day.
Firefighters Battle the Blaze
Hundreds of firefighters are on the ground in Victoria’s west, battling the Grampians blaze. The fire is expected to burn for weeks, with little rain forecast and a lot of fuel available. Authorities are asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the total fire ban and to avoid traveling in or around affected areas.
Heatwave Hits Victoria
It’s going to be a scorching day in Victoria on Thursday, with Melbourne expected to reach 39C and the western regions hitting 36C. The eastern regions will also feel the heat, with temperatures reaching up to 36C. Parts of southern NSW, including Wagga Wagga, are expected to hit 39C, with Swan Hill anticipated to reach 41C and Wentworth hitting 42C.
Fire Danger Increases
Fire danger will increase in northeast NSW from Friday afternoon, with temperatures reaching up to 37C in Sydney and 38C in Moree. Residents in Sydney’s western suburbs are expected to cop the brunt of the city’s heatwave, with an anticipated top of 41C in Penrith on Boxing Day.