Key Takeaways
- A massive fire in Victoria’s far north-east has grown in size, with the Longwood fire covering 142,421 hectares and the Walwa fire covering 93,456 hectares.
- Firefighters are expected to face challenging conditions on Sunday, with a high fire danger rating declared for Victoria’s north.
- Milder conditions are forecast for the coming days, which should give firefighters a better chance at containing the blazes.
- A total fire ban will remain in effect across Victoria on Sunday to prevent new fires from starting.
- The town of Corryong is under threat from the Walwa blaze, with communities in the Mitta Valley directed to leave immediately.
Introduction to the Fires
A behemoth fire burning in Victoria’s far north-east has grown in size, with the Longwood fire standing at 142,421 hectares and the Walwa fire stretching over the NSW border growing to 93,456 hectares. The Walwa fire increased in size by approximately 400 hectares, posing a significant threat to the nearby town of Corryong. The fire danger rating for Victoria’s north has been declared high for Sunday, indicating a high risk of fire spread. In contrast, the state’s south has been forecast to experience low to moderate fire conditions.
Fire Conditions and Forecast
The fire conditions in Victoria’s north are expected to be challenging on Sunday, with high temperatures and low humidity. The town of Corryong is forecast to reach a maximum of 33 degrees, while the nearby Hunters Hill weather station has been recording humidity in the single digits. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Daniel Sherwin-Simpson noted that the heat and dryness are still lingering in the area, making it unpredictable for firefighters. In contrast, Melbourne is forecast to reach a top of 19 degrees, and Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road should hit 17 degrees. No significant rainfall is forecast over the fire grounds in the next couple of days, which may hinder the efforts of firefighters to contain the blazes.
Impact on Local Communities
The town of Corryong is under threat from the Walwa blaze, with communities in the Mitta Valley directed to leave immediately. The State Control Centre spokeswoman Reegan Key stated that it was too early to determine which communities down south could still be caught up in fires in the Otways, which remained at emergency level on Saturday night. The total fire ban across Victoria on Sunday aims to prevent new fires from starting, ensuring that firefighters can focus on containing the existing blazes. The ban will remain in effect to ensure that the good conditions are not compromised by new fires.
Firefighting Efforts
The milder conditions forecast for the coming days are expected to give firefighters a better chance at containing the blazes. State Control Centre spokeswoman Reegan Key noted that the cooler conditions and abating winds will allow firefighters to direct attack fires more effectively. The firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the blazes, and the improved conditions will provide them with a much-needed opportunity to gain control over the fires. However, the fires are expected to burn for weeks, and it will require a sustained effort from firefighters to bring them under control.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the fires in Victoria’s far north-east continue to pose a significant threat to local communities and the environment. The high fire danger rating for Sunday and the lack of significant rainfall in the forecast are concerns for firefighters. However, the milder conditions expected in the coming days should provide an opportunity for firefighters to contain the blazes. The total fire ban across Victoria on Sunday aims to prevent new fires from starting, and the community is urged to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of authorities. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to stay informed and support the efforts of firefighters and emergency services.
