Millions across south-eastern Australia are bracing for high to extreme fire danger as scorching temperatures and powerful winds sweep through the region. The threat is particularly severe in South Australia, where fire officials have identified the west coast, Yorke Peninsula, and the Mount Lofty Ranges as areas of extreme concern.
The situation in the Mount Lofty Ranges is grave, with fears that homes may have already been lost on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Hundreds of dedicated firefighters are currently engaged in efforts to control a blaze that has put the area at significant risk.
This morning, the Country Fire Service (CFS) issued a watch and act warning for residents in Deep Creek, Silverton, Blowhole Beach Road, and Delamere. Authorities are advising these communities to prepare for evacuation as conditions worsen.
Meanwhile, Christie Johnson, a meteorologist with the Bureau of Meteorology, warns that temperatures across other parts of South Australia could soar above 30 degrees Celsius, possibly reaching 40 degrees. This extreme heat significantly elevates the risk of fires breaking out.
“We are closely monitoring regions like the Murraylands and the upper south-east,” said Johnson. “These areas are teetering on the edge of extreme fire danger thresholds, which is a cause for serious concern.”
“We also have some of these high fire danger areas that are very close to the threshold for extreme fire danger and that includes regions such as the Murraylands and the upper south-east,” she said.
Victorian firefighters are also bracing for extreme fire danger across large parts of the state over the coming hours.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared a total fire ban for the North Central, Central and Wimmera fire districts, where temperatures up to 35 degrees are expected.
“Conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start,” said CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan.
The bureau is also forecasting a chance of some thunderstorms, particularly through West and South Gippsland, with the potential for new fires starting from lightning.
Authorities in Tasmania expect a high fire danger across the state today, except for the north-west region.
But modelling by the Bureau of Meteorology suggests conditions could deteriorate.
“We’re now expecting high fire danger right across the state, reaching extreme fire danger through the east coast and the Midlands district,” said Johnson.
The hot and windy conditions today extend to Western Australia, where an extreme fire danger warning has been issued for some inland parts of Perth.
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