As bushfires continue to rage west of Ballarat, Victorian residents are being forced to evacuate their homes due to high temperatures and total fire bans across Australia.
An emergency warning has been issued for a bushfire near the site of a previous blaze that destroyed 45 properties last week.
Communities including Bayindeen, Buangor, Middle Creek, and Mount Cole are under immediate evacuation orders.
Bushfire – Emergency Warning for Bayindeen-Rocky Road. You should Leave Now. For more info: https://t.co/FRn139lq5b #vicfires
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) February 22, 2024
Evacuees are being directed to a relief center in Ballarat, with V/Line services on the Ararat Line suspended.
Following last week’s devastation, temperatures in some parts of the state have soared above 40C, with severe storms and dry lightning expected to exacerbate the situation.
Extreme fire warnings have also been issued in South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia, where blazes have been ongoing since early summer.
In Tasmania, a watch and act warning is in place for a central bushfire, while similar advice has been given for a blaze near Hobart.
Total fire bans are in effect for multiple regions in Victoria and Western Australia, with severe storms predicted for south-eastern New South Wales.
Victoria’s emergency services minister has expressed concerns about lightning strikes igniting further fires, emphasizing the readiness of fire crews and aerial support.
Despite the expected decline in fire risks, the Bureau of Meteorology anticipates severe storms in New South Wales, while Victorian authorities remain vigilant against potential lightning-induced blazes.
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