International Firefighters Deployed as Victoria Bushfires Destroy Homes Amid Extreme Heatwave
Bushfires have ravaged the state of Victoria, destroying at least three homes and structures as a severe heatwave continues to grip inland regions of south-east Australia. The situation has escalated to the point where firefighters from every Australian state and territory have been mobilised, alongside international support teams from Canada and New Zealand, to bolster Victorian firefighting efforts.
Multiple Blazes and Significant Damage
More than a dozen separate blazes are currently burning across Victoria, with one particularly large fire near Colac having already consumed approximately 11,300 hectares of land and destroyed three buildings. Emergency services are conducting ongoing assessments to determine the full extent of the damage, with a spokesman from the State Control Centre stating, 'When it is safe to do so, assessments will get underway in the fire grounds.'
The fire near Colac breached containment lines on Tuesday due to strong southwesterly winds forecast at 70km/h, which have since eased overnight. This has complicated firefighting operations and increased the risk to property and life.
Evacuation Orders and Critical Infrastructure Impact
Residents in certain areas of the Otways, in southern Victoria, have been issued urgent evacuation orders as bushfires continue to threaten the region. The directive to 'Evacuate now' underscores the immediate danger posed by the advancing flames.
Furthermore, the bushfires have severely impacted local infrastructure. Barwon Water has issued a warning that the Gellibrand water treatment plant, damaged by the fires, can no longer supply water to the town of Gellibrand, located near the Colac fire in the Otways. Consequently, by Wednesday, tap water will be unavailable in Gellibrand, and any remaining water is deemed unsafe for consumption, creating a critical public health concern for residents.
Prolonged Extreme Heatwave Conditions
While some cooler conditions are anticipated for much of Victoria on Wednesday, emergency services are bracing for another four days of extreme temperatures. Northern parts of the state are expected to endure daytime highs above 40°C, with overnight temperatures remaining in the mid-20s, offering little respite.
The severe heat is not confined to Victoria. Parts of New South Wales and Queensland are also forecast to experience dangerous temperatures. In Queensland, Thargomindah is predicted to reach a scorching 49°C, while in NSW, Tibooburra, Ivanhoe, and Wilcannia could see temperatures climb as high as 48°C.
The combination of tinder-dry conditions, strong winds, and relentless heat presents an ongoing and severe challenge for firefighting teams and communities across south-eastern Australia.
