30,000 Evacuated As Victoria Faces Worst Fire Danger Since Black Summer Of 2019-20
More than 30,000 Victorians have been urged to leave their homes ahead of what authorities fear could be the worst fire day for the state in four years, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid 40s in some areas. Authorities on Tuesday urged people living in a potential fire impact zone between Ballarat and Ararat, in Victoria’s west, to leave their homes overnight or by Wednesday morning.
Victoria’s Emergency Management commissioner, Rick Nugent, said about 30,000 people in the area, including in the towns of Amphitheatre, Beaufort, Clunes, Elmhurst, Lexton, Glenbrae and Learmonth, would be notified via text message on Tuesday to leave. He said hot and windy conditions forecast for Wednesday would probably cause an exisiting bushfire at Bayindeen, north-west of Ballarat, to spread, potentially affecting the towns.
“Fire, spot fires and ember attack are quite possible in these areas; these could result in loss of homes, closure of roads and isolating [of] communities,” Nugent told reporters. “If you are located in these areas, we ask you to leave.”
EDIT
The premier, Jacinta Allan, said Wednesday would be “incredibly difficult” with temperatures soaring to the mid-40s in north-west Victoria, and to the high 30s and low 40s for the rest of the state. An afternoon cool change was predicted to bring wind gusts of up to 80km/h and dry lightning. “Tomorrow is likely to be one of the most dangerous fire days Victoria has experienced in recent years,” she said.
About 110 firefighters from New South Wales have been deployed to Ballarat and Halls Gap, alongside thousands of Victorian firefighters and more than 60 aircraft. Allan said about 100 schools and early childhood facilities will close on Wednesday as a precaution, with the department to notify affected families.
EDIT
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/feb/27/victoria-fires-bushfires-evacuations-warnings-extreme-danger-ballarat-ararat