Victoria faces a severe bushfire crisis as temperatures are expected to soar above 40C, with the Wimmera region on catastrophic alert and extensive efforts underway to combat the Bayindeen blaze.
Victoria is facing a critical situation as extreme bushfire conditions threaten over half of the state, with forecasts predicting temperatures to surpass 40C. In the Wimmera region, a catastrophic fire danger level has been announced, and extreme fire warnings are in place for five other districts. The Bureau of Meteorology anticipates temperatures could reach up to 43C in Mildura, further exacerbated by strong winds. This has prompted the establishment of a base camp at Victoria Park in Ballarat to support the over 500 firefighters battling the Bayindeen blaze, which has already consumed more than 20,800 hectares and destroyed six homes. Country Fire Authority chief, Jason Heffernan, has called attention to the upgraded fire danger rating and urged residents to prepare for the worst.
Amid these conditions, the search for missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy has been postponed to prioritize bushfire response efforts. The decision comes as more than 30,000 residents have been advised to evacuate due to the imminent fire danger. Despite the search halt, police continue their investigation into Murphy’s disappearance, with a focus on the Mount Clear area based on new mobile phone data leads.
As Victoria braces for the adverse weather conditions, efforts to contain the fires and protect communities are intensifying, with the state and federal governments discussing support for those affected. The situation remains dynamic, with authorities urging residents in affected areas to stay vigilant and follow emergency advice.
