Victoria is on the brink of an unprecedented heatwave, with the mercury set to soar to near 50°C, igniting fears of record-breaking temperatures and a devastating fire season. As emergency crews grapple with six major blazes currently raging across the state, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a stark warning: Tuesday could be the hottest day Victoria has ever recorded. This extreme heatwave, the most severe in nearly two decades, is eerily reminiscent of the conditions preceding the catastrophic Black Saturday bushfires of 2009.
The air in Melbourne is already thick with smoke, a grim reminder of the fires burning in the Otways, which have cast a hazy pall over the metropolitan area and Geelong, leading to warnings of poor air quality. The wind is expected to push this smoky haze further north, impacting areas around Ballarat.
“As we head into Monday, we will see a continuation of high fire dangers across much of the state,” stated Diana Eadie, the BoM’s hazard preparedness and response manager. “That being said, Tuesday in particular is the next big day of concern with regards to fire. We’re also forecasting potentially record-breaking temperatures, particularly in western parts of the state.” While Melbourne braces for a scorching 43°C, towns like Mildura, Hopetoun, and Horsham could see temperatures exceeding 47°C.
But here's where it gets truly alarming: Emergency management commissioner Tim Wiebusch confirmed that four fires are still burning out of control, and the upcoming extreme weather is a scenario not seen since 2009, just before the devastating Black Saturday bushfires. “So we are indicating to all Victorians that this is a very serious set of weather conditions, as it relates to human health, and the impacts that can occur to infrastructure,” he urged.
Dire warning after children rescued from cars in scorching heat
Adding to the crisis, Ambulance Victoria has issued a chilling reminder: “hot cars can kill.” This comes after a harrowing 11 children were rescued from locked vehicles on Saturday alone. Dale Armstrong, Ambulance Victoria’s state health commander, emphasized, “The temperature inside a car can double and become deadly within minutes.” He implored Victorians to take preventive steps to avoid illnesses such as heatstroke.
Carlisle River fire: A top priority
The Otway’s Carlisle River fire has been designated the “highest priority fire” by Forest Fire Management Victoria’s chief fire officer, Chris Hardman. This blaze breached containment lines on Saturday night, scorching approximately 8000 hectares and creeping to within a kilometre of Gellibrand. “The fire continues to threaten the communities around Gellibrand and further to the north,” Mr. Hardman warned.
While authorities are still assessing potential losses of buildings, livestock, or injuries, rapid impact assessment teams are on the ground. Mr. Hardman noted, “The weather conditions are reasonable for firefighters to do some fantastic work on that fire today. Certainly, we could see some losses as a result of that fire activity, and again, it is a really dynamic situation and conditions could change rapidly.”
An emergency warning for Gellibrand residents urged them to take shelter as the fire moved closer. The warning was later downgraded to a “watch and act” as conditions eased, but the blaze remains uncontrolled, making it unsafe for residents to return.
And this is the part most people miss: The Country Fire Authority chief officer, Jason Heffernan, mentioned that the fire had nearly doubled in size on Saturday, threatening private property. While sheds and outbuildings may have been impacted, there were no reported home losses at the time of reporting.
‘Feeling worse every hour’: Grave fears for family home
Gellibrand resident Ellen Smail, now sheltering at the Colac Showgrounds relief centre, recounted her harrowing evacuation. “We were evacuated a fortnight ago, but this time was a lot worse, a lot closer,” she shared, her voice filled with anxiety. Her home, near the footy oval, is now in the path of the fire. She managed to grab her dog, car, and her son's ashes, but a beloved cat was left behind. She expressed profound gratitude for the volunteers and shire staff providing 24/7 support.
Lisa Agnew from Otway Blueberries, also in Gellibrand, reported that the fire was just across the road from their property. While they are safe for now, they are closed for business, diligently tackling spot fires with the CFA’s assistance. She noted that holidaymakers were still inquiring about berry picking, hoping to reopen later in the week.
‘It’s eerie’: Gellibrand resident shelters in pub
Rob Murphy, another Gellibrand resident, described the eerie atmosphere at the Gellibrand River Hotel Pub, where he sheltered with staff and the publican. “Last night overnight you could see the glow of the fire in different spots. It got within 1km of the pub,” he recalled. His 16-year-old daughter was sent to stay with a friend in Colac. Mr. Murphy, relatively new to the area, acknowledged the invaluable experience of long-time residents who have navigated such crises before. He spent the night preparing meals for firefighters, emphasizing his deep gratitude for their efforts.
Walwa fire: A looming threat
Meanwhile, a “leave now” warning was issued for Nariel Valley, Thowgla Upper, and Thowgla Valley due to the Walwa fire. Residents in Bucheen Creek, Cravensville, and parts of the southern Nariel Valley have been told it is “not safe to return.” Authorities anticipate that the extreme heat will make it increasingly challenging to contain the blaze, with potential for it to spread south and possibly into Gippsland in the coming days. Out-of-control fires are also burning in the alpine region near Wonnangatta and Dargo, and in Mallacoota. While no immediate threat to communities has been identified, residents are urged to stay informed.
Considering the extreme heat and the widespread fires, what do you believe is the most critical step individuals and communities should take to prepare for such escalating natural disasters? Is there enough being done to address climate change, which many believe is fueling these extreme weather events?
