Victoria Faces Extreme Fire Threat Amid Record Heatwave

Mon Feb 02 2026 15:24:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Firefighters in Victoria, Australia, are contending with multiple major fires as unprecedented heatwave conditions raise alarm. Temporary measures and emergency warnings are in place as communities brace for the escalating situation.

Firefighters in the Australian state of Victoria continue their battle against several significant fires, pushing localities to heed emergency warnings. Rising temperatures, with areas reaching close to 49C, have severely challenged firefighting efforts, leading to evacuations and severe health warnings. The fire situation remains dynamic, with officials urging communities to stay informed. Critical risks exist for vulnerable populations as the extreme heat persists.

Firefighters in the Australian state of Victoria are battling at least six major fires as a record-breaking heatwave hits the country's south-east.

Two fires are currently burning at 'emergency level' according to local broadcaster ABC News. Several communities have been issued emergency warnings to either evacuate, watch and wait, or shelter in place.

Fire officials warn that the situation is changing rapidly and have asked locals to stay up to date with the latest warnings.

The Bureau of Meteorology says that parts of the state have seen all-time temperature highs - with one area hitting a high of 48.9C. Melbourne has recorded a temperature of 41C.

Chris Hardman, the chief fire officer at Forest Fire Management Victoria, had told reporters that the state's heat conditions were making conditions 'incredibly difficult' for firefighters.

Two fires - in Camperdown and Otways - are burning at emergency level. A new fire in the Larralea area is also causing 'significant concern.'

Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief officer Jason Hefferman warned that the Otways fire could produce ember showers that may start new fires.

It is unclear what damage has been caused by the fires, but Australia's Deputy Incident Controller Alistair Drayton mentioned anecdotal evidence of some home losses.

He also praised the 'spectacular' work done by firefighters so far.

Apart from Victoria, South Australia has also been placed under alert for 'extreme' fire risk.

Meanwhile, health officials have warned that the prolonged heat carries significant health risks for the elderly, children, and people with underlying health conditions. Victoria's chief health officer Caroline McElnay noted the potential for severe health issues such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and the risk of triggering heart-related emergencies.