Firefighters across Victoria brace for extreme risk amid Boxing Day heat, wind
Firefighters are preparing for devastating conditions across Victoria on Thursday, when a large bushfire in the state’s west is at risk of spreading amid forecast 100km/h winds and near 40-degree temperatures.
Authorities fear extreme hot, dry and windy conditions could make it impossible to control or contain any new or existing fires on Boxing Day.
A blaze at the Grampians National Park has engulfed more than 44,000 hectares of bush over the past week and forced residents in nearby Halls Gap to evacuate. Authorities say it is too dangerous for residents to return to the town, and relief centres are open in Ararat and Stawell.
In addition to the threat of the Grampians bushfire spreading, authorities fear new fires may start, prompting them to impose a total fire ban for the entire state on Thursday. An extreme fire danger rating has been declared for all districts except East Gippsland.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/firefighters-across-victoria-brace-for-extreme-risk-amid-boxing-day-heat-wind-20241225-p5l0lu.html
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There's a lot of vegetation due to several years of La NIna and heavy rainfalls. If it's not one thing it's another. Luckily, I'm in a fairly safe spot - not heavily forested and flat. Here's a link to the Emergency Services site if anyone is interested in checking fires and incidents. https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/