Heatwave hits Australia as officials Warn of ‘Catastrophic’ fire risk

Australia is facing dangerous conditions as a widespread heatwave grips much of the country, prompting authorities to warn of an elevated and potentially catastrophic bushfire risk. Severe to extreme heatwaves have been declared in every Australian state and territory except Queensland, with temperatures expected to remain unusually high for several days. Emergency services say the combination of extreme heat, strong winds and dry vegetation has created conditions that could lead to fast-moving and uncontrollable fires. In the state of Victoria, officials have declared a total fire ban for F

Australia is facing dangerous conditions as a widespread heatwave grips much of the country, prompting authorities to warn of an elevated and potentially catastrophic bushfire risk. Severe to extreme heatwaves have been declared in every Australian state and territory except Queensland, with temperatures expected to remain unusually high for several days. Emergency services say the combination of extreme heat, strong winds and dry vegetation has created conditions that could lead to fast-moving and uncontrollable fires. In the state of Victoria, officials have declared a total fire ban for Friday after the fire danger rating was raised to “catastrophic”, the highest level on Australia’s fire warning scale. As a safety measure, about 450 schools and childcare centres will be closed. Firefighters were already battling multiple blazes on Thursday in Victoria and New South Wales. Near the city of Wodonga, several aircraft were deployed to assist crews on the ground as a large fire threatened nearby areas, according to local media reports. The heatwave has already brought record-breaking temperatures. Melbourne recorded its hottest day in six years on Wednesday, reaching 40.9°C, while parts of Western Australia, including some coastal towns, saw temperatures climb as high as 49°C. In New South Wales, the heat is expected to peak on Saturday, with Sydney forecast to reach 42°C. Large areas of South Australia and Western Australia are also expected to experience temperatures above 40°C in the coming days. Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology said Friday would mark the most dangerous period of the current heatwave. He warned that strengthening winds across Victoria, combined with dry landscapes and the possibility of dry lightning, could significantly increase the risk of severe fires, particularly in northern parts of the state. Meteorologists have described the conditions as the most significant seen across inland south-east Australia since the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, during which dozens of people died and vast areas of land were destroyed. Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, urged residents to take the warnings seriously, noting that fires during catastrophic conditions are often unpredictable and impossible to control. He called on communities to prepare bushfire survival plans and advised people in high-risk areas to leave early for safer locations. Australia’s fire danger ratings range from low to catastrophic, with the highest level indicating a serious threat to life and property. A heatwave is declared when both minimum and maximum temperatures are unusually high for three days or more. With extreme heat forecast to persist, authorities across the country are urging residents to stay informed, follow emergency advice and prioritise safety as Australia confronts another period of dangerous weather.