Devastating Bushfires Destroy Six Homes In Victoria

Six homes have been destroyed by bushfires in western Victoria, prompting authorities to issue a “grave concern” warning as the state braces for extreme fire danger on Wednesday. 

Victoria’s Emergency Services Minister, Jaclyn Symes, announced the devastating impact on Sunday, following 228 impact assessments carried out after fires in the region.

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Mr Symes said the primary focus has shifted to the forecasted hot temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Forecasters are predicting a significant spike in temperatures, with the Country Fire Association chief, Jason Heffernan, saying that Wednesday “could quite potentially be the worst fire day Victoria has seen in four years.” 

Mr Heffernan highlighted the need for strategic planning and sufficient resources to tackle the potential crisis.

“We are expecting half of the state to be in the high end of extreme fire danger on Wednesday,” Heffernan said.

He also raised the possibility of catastrophic conditions in the Wimmera weather district.

“It’s the fire that you don’t have at the moment that could potentially be the trouble for you,” he added. 

The forecast for Wednesday anticipates scorching temperatures, with Mildura in the state’s far northwest expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius. 

The Bureau of Meteorology warned that strong, gusty winds would accompany the hot weather, creating conditions conducive to dangerous fires.

The large fire west of Ballarat had already consumed over 16,000 hectares of land by Saturday, with approximately 550 firefighters on the ground on Sunday as part of fire suppression efforts.

Evacuation orders remain in place for several towns, including Amphitheatre, Avoca, Bayindeen, and more. 

Residents have been urged to stay vigilant, have fire plans in place and be prepared for potential evacuations.

Government officials are set to meet with the Bureau of Meteorology and fire agencies to assess the situation and provide further updates in the coming days. 

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