The fires have spread through to Gellibrand. Photo / Facebook
At least three properties have been destroyed and residents are being ordered to evacuate as an out-of-control bushfire in Victoria worsens in a blistering heatwave, with temperatures soaring to almost 50C.
Speaking at the state control centre on Tuesday, Forest Fire Management Victoria chief Chris Hardman confirmed he knew of three properties that had been destroyed by the fire so far.
He said the wind change would escalate the fire’s behaviour significantly, adding that the blaze had already doubled in size to exceed 10,000sq km.
“If you have chosen to stay and defend, you won’t be able to leave your property at the 11th minute … many people have been killed in the past by leaving too late,” he warned.
Hardman said several property owners had decided to stay and defend their homes.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said firefighters were battling six major blazes across the state, including three that were out of control in Dargo, Walwa and The Otways.
“Last night we had over 120 people take refuge in our emergency relief centre in Colac,” Wiebusch said.
“So if people are looking to leave and they don’t have anywhere to go, that is what those centres are there for.”
A total fire ban has been extended until tomorrow for the Wimmera and north-east districts, including the towns of Horsham, Edenhope, St Arnaud, Stawell, Halls Gap, Wangaratta, Bright, Wodonga and Falls Creek.
The skies have turned a sinister shade of red and more than 1000 properties are at risk, with the Bureau of Meteorology stating Victoria was under extreme fire dangers because of temperatures reaching the mid-40s.
According to Weatherzone, the northwest Victorian town of Walpeup has smashed the state’s 2009 heat record after reaching 48.9C on Tuesday.
In Horsham, record temperatures have also been surpassed, with a whopping 47.8C.
However, a cool change was set to come through on Tuesday afternoon in Western Victoria and reach the bushfire across the Otway region by 6pm.
The cool change will push through Melbourne and northern parts of Victoria into the evening, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
It is understood the blaze has already burnt more than 10,000ha and has doubled in size since breaking containment lines on Saturday.
There are six major bushfires burning in the state, including the Dargo-Wonnangatta bushfire, the Walwa fire in Victoria’s north-east and the Carlisle River fire in the state’s Otways.
Residents in Barongarook, Gellibrand, Kawarren and Lovat have been issued an emergency warning to evacuate immediately because of the “life-threatening” fires.
“If you are located in these areas, it is recommended you evacuate immediately and move to a safer location away from the fire,” the VicEmergency warning read.
“Shelter indoors when the fire arrives – protect yourself from the radiant heat.”
Residents in Bucheen Creek, Cravensville and parts of the southern end of the Nariel Valley and the surrounds have been told to evacuate their homes immediately and it is “not safe to return”.
Those in Nariel Valley, including McNamara Crossing, Staceys Bridge and surrounds, have been warned to “leave now” as the fire spreads through the Wabba Wilderness Park.
Hardman earlier told Sunrise that backburning undertaken overnight managed to “buy some time” for firefighters, but the intense heat wouldn’t make the conditions easier.
Meanwhile, residents in the Walwa region have been advised it is “not safe to return” as the bushfires continue burning.
Hines said the scorching temperatures, combined with gusty winds, could exacerbate the already intense flames.
Fifteen locations in Australia were on Monday declared the hottest on earth.
Cedena Airport in South Australia took the crown with a maximum temperature of 49.3C, followed by Noona in Cobar shire, NSW, which recorded a high of 48C.
However, a cool change is set to come through for South Australia, according to senior meteorologist Johnathan How from the bureau, who says temperatures will fall “quite significantly” across western and southern parts of South Australia, because of dry southwesterly winds on Tuesday afternoon.
On Monday, temperatures reached 49.5C in Ceduna, marking the hottest day since records began 84 years ago.
Despite a cool change coming for Melbourne and Adelaide on Wednesday, other areas won’t be as lucky, with some in NSW to hit a maximum of 50C by the end of the week.
“After what is likely to be record-breaking heat [on Tuesday], Wednesday will be another extremely hot day,” Hines said.
“Record-breaking heat will persist in other areas, particularly northern and eastern Victoria, as well as western and southern NSW, which includes ACT.
“Many areas of the far west of NSW could be between 47C and 49C on Wednesday, with numerous records under serious threat.
“Coastal areas continue to cool off later in the week on Thursday and Friday, but the baking heat will persist inland, with 48C to 50C maximum temperatures forecast around the tri-state border.”
In Melbourne’s east, a popular tourist spot has been shut as extreme fire dangers threaten the scenery.
The Dandenong Ranges have been closed because of intense heat and extreme fire danger, with Explore Melbourne urging visitors to stay away from popular locations, including the 1000 Steps – Kokoda Memorial Walk, Ferntree Gully Picnic Grounds, and the George Tindale Memorial Garden.
“Stay away from closed areas and follow emergency advice,” the warning reads.
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