- विज्ञापन -
Sydney: Firefighters in Victoria, Australia, are encountering significant challenges as they tackle raging bushfires, with expectations of worsening conditions ahead, according to Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent.
A total fire ban is currently enforced across the state due to forecasted high temperatures and strong winds, which are anticipated to create some of the most severe bushfire conditions in years, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Nugent noted that gusty northerly winds are pushing fires southward in the Grampians National Park, complicating efforts to manage existing blazes and hindering the response to new fire outbreaks across Victoria.
The fire in Grampians National Park has already scorched around 55,000 hectares, resulting in considerable damage, including harm to the environment, livestock losses, and destruction of outbuildings and sheds. While no residential homes have been confirmed as destroyed yet, Nugent expressed concern given the number of residents in the area.
Luke Heagerty from Victoria’s State Control Center indicated that the situation in the Grampians is rapidly evolving. He reported significant fire growth due to changing wind patterns, with the fire expanding southeast as northwesterly winds intensified. The winds have also knocked down trees, posing additional risks to residents attempting to evacuate.
On Friday, authorities confirmed reports of property losses in Victoria as extreme heat and windy conditions fueled bushfires, particularly in the western regions of the state. Premier Jacinta Allan stated that they are receiving distressing reports of property damage due to the active fires and challenging terrain.
On Thursday, an uncontrolled bushfire at Bayindeen Rocky Road spread to nearby communities. As of Friday morning, this blaze has burned over 11,000 hectares, prompting two emergency warnings that advise residents to evacuate immediately before conditions become too perilous.
