Victoria is bracing for its most dangerous heatwave in nearly two decades as multiple bushfires continue to burn across the state, with smoke from the Otway Ranges drifting across Melbourne and Geelong and authorities warning conditions could rival those seen before the Black Saturday fires.
Emergency services remain on high alert as temperatures are forecast to surge toward 50 degrees Celsius early this week, with parts of northern Victoria facing up to seven consecutive days above 40 degrees.
Fire crews are battling six major active fires, including a rapidly expanding blaze near Carlisle River in the Otways, which has moved to within one kilometre of the town of Gellibrand. The fire has already grown to around 8,000 hectares after breaking through containment lines overnight.
Bureau of Meteorology hazard preparedness manager Diana Eadie warned that Tuesday would be the most critical day, with extreme fire danger expected across much of the state.
“We are heading into a very serious period of fire weather,” she said. “Record-breaking temperatures are possible, particularly in western Victoria, and conditions will deteriorate rapidly if winds strengthen.”
Melbourne is forecast to reach 43 degrees on Tuesday, while Mildura, Hopetoun and Horsham are expected to exceed 47 degrees. Smoke haze from the Otways fires has already blanketed metropolitan Melbourne, Geelong and parts of Ballarat, triggering health warnings over air quality.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said the weather pattern mirrored conditions last seen in early 2009.
“These are the kinds of conditions we experienced ahead of the Black Saturday bushfires,” he said. “This is a serious risk to human life, infrastructure and essential services.”
Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman confirmed the Carlisle River fire remains the state’s top priority. While firefighters have taken advantage of brief weather windows to slow its advance, authorities warned the situation remains volatile.
“The fire continues to threaten Gellibrand and surrounding communities,” Mr Hardman said. “Conditions can change quickly, and we may yet see losses as fire behaviour intensifies.”
Residents of Gellibrand were earlier advised to take shelter as the fire edged closer to the town, before warnings were downgraded to “Watch and Act” later on Sunday. Authorities have stressed it is still not safe to return.
Local residents described chaotic evacuations, with roads congested as families fled toward Colac. Relief centres remain open, staffed by volunteers and emergency workers around the clock.
Meanwhile, Ambulance Victoria has issued a stark warning after responding to multiple incidents involving children locked in hot vehicles over the weekend.
“Temperatures inside a car can become deadly within minutes,” state health commander Dale Armstrong said, urging parents and carers to take extreme care.
Further east, a “leave now” warning remains in place for parts of the Nariel Valley due to the Walwa fire, with authorities warning the blaze could breach containment lines and move toward Gippsland as temperatures climb.
Other out-of-control fires continue to burn near Wonnangatta, Dargo and Mallacoota. While there is no immediate threat to communities, residents are being urged to stay informed and prepare for rapidly changing conditions as Victoria enters what authorities describe as a critical and dangerous phase of the fire season.
