Fires Rage On As Perfect Storm Looms Over Victoria
Fires in Victoria’s Grampians National Park are out of control as extreme weather conditions threaten to worsen the situation in the coming days
Victoria, Grampians National Park, Bushfire, Total Fire Ban, Australia
Victoria: The fires in Grampians National Park are still raging, and it’s not looking good. As of Christmas morning, they haven’t been contained at all. A total fire ban is set to kick in from Boxing Day, which means no outdoor fires allowed.
These bushfires have already destroyed over 40,000 hectares of land. And guess what? They’re expected to keep spreading into the new year. With temperatures soaring this week, it’s a real worry.
Forecasters are predicting that temperatures will hit over 40°C on Thursday, with winds reaching up to 80 km/h. That’s just asking for trouble, right?
Jason Heffernan from the Country Fire Authority is really concerned about both the existing fires and any new ones that might pop up due to the extreme conditions. He’s urging everyone to follow the fire ban rules and to have a solid fire plan in place.
On Tuesday, residents near the bushfire were given a brief chance to go home and grab their belongings. But it’s been a tough situation, especially with “not safe to return” orders issued for several areas on Christmas Eve.
And it’s not just Victoria feeling the heat. Other parts of Australia are bracing for a heatwave too. Southern NSW, including Wagga Wagga, is looking at temperatures around 39°C. Sydney will be a bit cooler at 29°C on Thursday, but it’s set to heat up to 37°C on Friday.
In Sydney’s western suburbs, Penrith is expected to hit a scorching 41°C on Boxing Day. Canberra will be around 35°C, while Brisbane will stay in the low 30s before hitting 37°C on Friday.
Back in Victoria, the firefighting efforts are going to continue well into 2025. There are currently 300 firefighters on the ground, along with 18 firebombing aircraft. More than 100 personnel have come from other states to help out.
Remember, the total fire ban means no outdoor fires can be lit or left burning. This ban starts at 12:01 am on Boxing Day, so everyone needs to be careful.