Several states have been placed on high alert for bushfires and possible evacuations as more than 40,000 hectares continue to burn in Victoria.
Millions of residents and travelers across much of Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia have been warned they could face bushfires this week.
Hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to worsen rapidly changing conditions from Monday, posing a high risk for Christmas travelers.
Several states entered Monday battling dangerous fires or warning of potential outbreaks, including New South Wales, where hot, dry and windy conditions pose extreme fire danger in the Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney, Northern Slopes and North Western regions. .
More than 41,000 hectares have been burned in the Grampian Mountains, 270 kilometers west of Melbourne, and the change of cool weather and rain in the city is not helping firefighters much.
On Monday, temperatures in the Victorian capital will reach a high of 18C, with more rain expected.
More than 40,000 hectares have been burned in Victoria and several other states are now on high alert.
Hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to worsen rapidly changing wildfire conditions starting Monday.
Victorian authorities are considering sweltering conditions of around 40C expected in the region on Boxing Day, amid fears private property could be affected.
Watch and action alerts remain in place for fires in the Grampians National Park and some residents have been told to prepare to leave if the situation worsens.
Meanwhile, another fire in Bullengarook, northwest of Melbourne, remains out of control.
Victorian authorities are considering sweltering conditions of around 40C expected in the region on Boxing Day, amid fears private property could be affected.
Interstate fire crews from New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and WA will arrive by the end of the week, the state’s National Fire Authority has confirmed.
The extra help will be a relief to hundreds of firefighters, including volunteers, who have faced incredibly tough conditions since the fires started last week.
“With more than 600 firefighters working on the fireground to bring the high-energy fire under control, it is important to recognize the incredible work that has been accomplished to date and the work that still needs to be done as crews work around the clock. in the next few days.” VicEmergency shared on Monday.
‘To the communities affected by these fires, thank you for remaining informed and taking action when necessary. We know that, for many, this is not the first time a fire has affected them and we understand the ongoing impacts these events can have.
“As the fires continue to burn in the run up to Christmas Day, we would like to thank our emergency services staff for sacrificing time away from family and friends to protect others within the community.”
VicEmergency thanked the more than 600 firefighters and volunteers who helped fight fires across the state.
Even as they fight to save lives, homes and communities, several firefighters have helped rescue wildlife affected by the wildfires.
With Boxing Day typically a major travel day across the state, the fire authority is urging residents to download the VicEmergency app before setting off.
The Halls Gap hotel in the Grampians’ biggest tourist town has closed its doors and tourism providers in the area say they are facing a loss of $1.9 million a day in bookings due to the emergency as the residents fled to Ararat.
“With 39C days on Christmas and Boxing Day we have canceled our family Christmas here this year,” Moyston resident Maxine Windram said on social media.
Elsewhere, regional areas of South Australia are also expecting hot conditions on Boxing Day, with Adelaide facing a high of 36C after the 37C forecast for Christmas Day.
In Western Australia, firefighters were putting out a fire on Sunday that had threatened lives and property on the northern outskirts of Perth.
The fast-moving fire at Two Rocks forced evacuation warnings to be issued Sunday afternoon, but it was later brought under control.
A high fire danger is again forecast for the region on Monday, while an extreme risk is forecast in parts of WA’s interior mid-west and south-west.