Authorities in southeast Australia have ordered hundreds of residents to evacuate as an out-of-control bushfire threatens towns in the Otways region, southwest of Melbourne, amid record-breaking temperatures.
The emergency warning affected four country towns, with an additional three nearby rural areas urged to leave due to the rapid spread of the fire. Officials warned that extreme weather conditions could drive the flames toward communities at any moment.
“Conditions are heating up across the state, and we’re seeing those 40-degree temperatures roll in,” Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan told ABC. “Firefighters on the ground will now start to really notice how hot it is getting, and they’ll really start to notice the picking up of the winds.”
Victoria has imposed a total fire ban as six major bushfires burn across the state. The current heatwave has sent temperatures soaring across Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales. In northwestern Victoria, temperatures in Walpeup and Hopetoun reached 48.9C, nudging past the state’s previous record of 48.8C. The figures are preliminary and require verification to be officially recognised.
The extreme heat has disrupted major events, including the Australian Open, where organisers closed the roof over Melbourne’s centre court to protect players and spectators. The temperature in the city is forecast to reach 45C.
Health officials have issued strong warnings about the risks posed by prolonged heat. Victoria’s chief health officer, Caroline McElnay, said the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions face the greatest danger.
“Prolonged heat can affect anyone, and when high heat continues for a number of days it can affect your health,” McElnay said. She highlighted the risks of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. She advised people to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and watch for symptoms including dizziness, cramps, rapid heartbeat, elevated body temperature, and loss of consciousness.
The combination of extreme temperatures and high winds is driving rapid fire activity, making firefighting efforts particularly challenging. Authorities are coordinating evacuations and deploying resources to protect towns in the path of the flames.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to leave immediately and follow official guidance to ensure their safety. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely as conditions remain volatile across the region.
The latest heatwave and bushfire threats come amid growing concerns about the impact of climate extremes in Australia, where rising temperatures and dry conditions have intensified fire risks in rural and regional communities.
