URGENT UPDATE: Catastrophic fire warnings have been issued across Victoria as a dangerous heatwave, high winds, and lightning converge, creating conditions for potentially devastating bushfires. Temperatures are expected to soar to a staggering 41°C in Melbourne and reach up to 47°C in parts of inland Victoria on Friday, July 15, 2023. Fire authorities are on high alert, with emergency warnings already activated for areas in northeast Victoria and Longwood.
Firefighters are facing one of the most perilous situations in years. Warnings have been escalated to catastrophic levels in the Wimmera, northern country, and southwest regions of the state. A total fire ban is in effect statewide for Friday, as crews tackle two major out-of-control blazes. The Longwood fire has already devastated more than 28,000 hectares, while another fire near Walwa and Mount Lawson has burned over 9,000 hectares.
Captain Peter Cookson of the Little Yarra Country Fire Authority expressed deep concern about the current conditions. “It’s all going to be a very bad day,” he stated. “We all prepare for these days, and if nothing happens, that is a win. But you can’t say nothing will happen – with these things, they can all start from a spark.”
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, alongside a severe thunderstorm risk that could lead to erratic fire behavior. Spokesman David Nugent highlighted the severe threat: “Under those catastrophic conditions, there is real potential for lives and homes to be lost.”
Firefighting efforts are further complicated by the possibility of strong winds grounding aerial support. Jason Heffernan, Chief of the Country Fire Authority, warned, “If a fire takes hold, they’re going to be uncontrollable. They’re going to be unstoppable.”
In response to the escalating danger, paramedics and first responders in affected areas will be withdrawn on Friday, only to return for serious or life-threatening incidents, as confirmed by Ambulance Victoria.
Meanwhile, the heatwave is not confined to Victoria. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales (NSW) are also bracing for extreme temperatures. A total fire ban has been declared in the eastern and southern Riverina, southern slopes, and Monaro alpine regions of NSW for Friday. While temperatures in Sydney are expected to reach a more manageable 33°C, the forecast for Saturday indicates a rise to 42°C in the city, particularly affecting western suburbs.
NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan urged residents to prepare for the heat, emphasizing the health risks associated with prolonged exposure. “Heatwaves put real pressure on your body, with consecutive days of relentless heat causing stress that builds up over time,” he warned.
As conditions continue to develop, residents across affected regions are advised to stay informed and take precautions. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are monitoring it closely. Expect further updates as firefighters battle these dangerous fires and the extreme weather continues to unfold.
