States Brace for Extreme Bushfire Peril and Power Outages
Australia faces severe bushfire risks and potential power outages as extreme heat hits the south and east regions this holiday season
Australia, Victoria, South Australia, Bushfires, Power Outages, Heatwave
Adelaide: It’s getting really hot down under! Australia’s south and east are bracing for a serious heatwave, and it’s not looking good for bushfire risks.
Christmas Day is set to be a scorcher in South Australia, with Adelaide hitting its hottest Christmas since 2016. We’re talking high-30s to early 40s degrees!
Some areas are facing extreme fire dangers, and total fire bans are already in place in the Mount Lofty Ranges and the west coast. It’s dry out there, and fires can spread like crazy.
Brett Loughlin from the Country Fire Service is sounding the alarm. He says all it takes is a bit of heat and wind to create a perfect storm for fires.
Premier Peter Malinauskas is urging everyone to enjoy the holidays but to be smart and cautious if they’re in bushfire zones.
As we move into Boxing Day, the fire risks will shift eastward, but a cool change is expected to roll in from the west.
Victoria is facing its worst fire risk since the infamous Black Summer of 2019. Almost every region is under extreme fire danger, leading to a total fire ban on Boxing Day.
After a warm and sunny Christmas, folks in Victoria should brace for temperatures soaring into the 40s on Thursday, according to meteorologist Sarah Scully.
With the heat comes the risk of serious heat-related illnesses. Ambulance Victoria’s Dale Armstrong warns that heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke are real dangers.
Heat stroke can be fatal in up to 80% of cases, so it’s no joke. The elderly, young kids, and those with health issues are most at risk, but anyone can be affected.
Victorians are also being told to prepare for possible power outages. AusNet has warned that power faults could happen to prevent bushfires.
If there’s a fault on Thursday, it might mean longer outages as they’ll need to check everything to ensure it’s safe to restore power.
Meanwhile, bushfires are already raging out of control at Grampians National Park, and another fire has been contained at Bullengarook near Melbourne.
Just a heads up: a TOTAL FIRE BAN is in effect for all of Victoria on Thursday, December 26, 2024. No fires can be lit or allowed to stay alight outdoors all day.
Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan is warning that strong winds could make battling these blazes even tougher.
He mentioned that the lack of winter and spring rains has left the bushland super dry, which is a recipe for disaster.
As a cool change sweeps through Victoria on Friday, the extreme fire dangers will start to push into New South Wales.