Australia is facing a perilous mix of extreme heat, bushfires, storms and flooding, with authorities warning that parts of Victoria are experiencing some of the most dangerous fire conditions since the Black Summer.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a nationwide plea for safety as a heatwave intensified across the country, saying Australians should closely follow official advice and act immediately if told to leave.
“Please listen to the authorities. If you’re asked to leave your property, do so,” he said during a television interview, also warning people never to drive through floodwaters. He thanked emergency services, volunteers, police, fire brigades and SES crews for “showing the best of the Australian character” as they respond to unfolding disasters.
PM Albanese confirmed Commonwealth aerial firefighting assets are positioned across the country and that the federal government is working closely with states and territories to ensure help reaches affected communities. He was due to receive further briefings from the National Emergency Management Agency.
Victoria is bearing the brunt of the crisis, with a total fire ban declared statewide.
Premier Jacinta Allan said there would be “no fires, no exceptions”, as temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and strong winds fuelled catastrophic fire danger ratings across the Northern Country, North Central, Wimmera and South West districts. All other regions are under extreme ratings.
Emergency warnings remain in place for multiple communities as a major blaze near Longwood in central Victoria has burned almost 30,000 hectares. Property losses have been confirmed in the small town of Ruffy, where Country Fire Authority captain George Noye said at least 10 properties had been destroyed and a firefighter hospitalised with serious burns.
Authorities fear the situation could worsen, with dry lightning forecast and officials warning that more towns may be impacted. Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said conditions had escalated from extreme to catastrophic, urging all Victorians to remain on high alert and monitor warnings via the VicEmergency app and emergency broadcasts.
Further concern surrounds reports that three people remain unaccounted for near Longwood East after a house they were last seen near was destroyed. Police say the area remains too dangerous for full assessment.
The Prime Minister said Australians across the country were “in our thoughts” and repeated a simple message:
“Stay safe, listen to the advice, and follow the advice.”
Beyond Victoria, South Australia is also facing extreme fire danger due to hot and windy conditions, while New South Wales braces for intense heat. In Queensland, authorities continue to warn of flooding risks, and the ACT is forecast to endure prolonged extreme heatwave conditions.
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