A cool southwesterly change is moving across Victoria, reducing the catastrophic fire risk that has forced people from homes and campsites.

Australia is cooling down after another day of deadly heat with temperatures in three states soaring into the 40s, including record highs in Melbourne.

A long spell of dry weather is likely to lead to more fire bans being put in place.

Victoria has declared a Code Red fire warning in the Wimmera region today, ahead of an expected scorcher.

Firefighters were this evening still dampening down hotspots after a major fire at an Auckland lighting firm opposite St Lukes shopping Mall.

The blaze broke out at 10.45am at Modus Architectural Lighting in Wagener Place, across the road from St Lukes Mall.

Firefighters battled a blaze at a massage parlour in central Auckland this afternoon.

Extreme weather brings hope of end to decade-long drought.

Killer bushfires like those common in Australia could happen here if people continue to ignore warnings, an expert says.

A firefighter is angry that his bosses have been recognised with Queen's Service Medals, but not the men who risked their lives.

Fire crews are still dampening down hotspots after a bush fire destroyed one house and forced the evacuation of several others in Roxburgh overnight.

A large fireball erupted from the top of a building on Auckland's waterfront today, followed by billowing toxic smoke.

More fireworks than Guy Fawkes, and plenty of Chinese lanterns, kept Bay of Plenty firefighters hugely busy last night.

More than a quarter of all fire call-outs in the past financial year were false alarms, at a cost to taxpayers of up to $25 million.