Victorians are being warned to prepare for potentially catastrophic bushfire conditions as a statewide total fire ban comes into effect from 12:01 am on Boxing Day, lasting until 11:59 pm. Authorities are urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel in areas with an “extreme” fire danger rating.
Thursday’s forecast of scorching temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, combined with gusty northerly winds, mirrors conditions seen during the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings of a strong south-westerly wind change that could bring gusts of up to 100 km/h, exacerbating the fire risk.
The Grampians National Park is a significant concern, with an out-of-control blaze already consuming more than 44,000 hectares and threatening nearby communities. Halls Gap residents were evacuated over the weekend, while Moyston and Pomonal received emergency evacuation orders on Christmas Day.
Firefighters are battling additional out-of-control blazes in Bullengarook, west of Gisborne, and The Gurdies in South Gippsland, where sheds and outbuildings have been lost. Meanwhile, crews have contained a fire in Creswick but remain on high alert for flare-ups under the extreme conditions.
Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent has highlighted the immense challenge ahead, as the Grampians fire alone has a 300-kilometre perimeter and is expected to impact more communities over the coming days.
Across the border, residents in New South Wales are also bracing for extreme heat, with temperatures in Wagga Wagga predicted to reach 39°C.
Sydney is expected to endure a cooler Boxing Day at 29°C but will see highs of 37°C on Friday, with western suburbs such as Penrith forecast to hit 41°C. Canberra is set to reach 35°C, while Brisbane’s temperatures will peak at 37°C on Friday.
In Victoria, more than 600 firefighters, including reinforcements from NSW, Queensland, ACT, and Tasmania, are on the ground, supported by 18 firebombing aircraft. Authorities have warned that the battle to contain these fires is likely to continue into the new year.
Victorians are reminded that a total fire ban prohibits any fire from being lit or left alight in the open air. “These conditions are not to be underestimated,” said meteorologist Dean Narramore, emphasising that the winds could render fires “uncontrollable.”
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