A bushfire in Australia’s Victoria state has forced over 2,000 people to evacuate towns in the west. Residents were advised to head to Ballarat as the fire blazes out of control. With over 1,000 firefighters, 24 aircraft, and 100 vehicles deployed, authorities warned of extreme fire danger due to hot, dry winds and high temperatures.
SYDNEY: More than two thousand people have been ordered to flee from towns in the west of Australia’s Victoria state due to a bushfire burning out of control on Thursday.
The state emergency service urged residents in the towns of Raglan and Beaufort, home to around two thousand people, and those in surrounding areas to leave while it was still safe and head east to the nearby regional hub of Ballarat, 95 kms (59 miles) west of Melbourne.
Roughly 50 square kms (12,355 acres) is ablaze northwest of Ballarat. A similar area is also burning out of control further to the west.
State Premier Jacinta Allan said more than 1,000 firefighters were on the ground, supported by 24 aircraft and more than 100 vehicles. More are set to join the fight soon.
“Leaving immediately is the safest option for those communities,” she said at a news conference. “If you are located in these areas, please heed this advice, please act now to save your own life.”
Officials said no property damage had been reported but it was too soon for an accurate picture.
Large swathes of the state are on high alert for fires and the Bureau of Meteorology on Thursday issued extreme fire danger warnings for several districts due to hot, dry winds and the potential for thunderstorms.
The fires west of Ballarat are expected to worsen throughout the evening until around midnight, when the winds will begin to slow, Jason Heffernan, chief officer of the Country Fire Authority, told the news conference.
Temperatures were above 40 degrees Celsius (104° Fahrenheit) in the north west of the state at 3.00pm (0400 GMT).
In recent days, thousands of individuals in Australia’s south have been ordered to evacuate as a devastating bushfire rages through the region. The threat posed by bushfires is a chilling reminder of the importance of preparedness and swift action in the face of natural disasters. As we witness the impact of these fires, it is crucial for communities to come together and support one another during these challenging times. The safety and well-being of residents must be the top priority as we rally behind those affected by these catastrophic events. It is also a wake-up call for us all to recognize the urgency of addressing climate change and its role in escalating such natural disasters. Let us stand in solidarity with those affected and take proactive steps towards building resilience in the face of future challenges. Together, we can work towards a safer and more prepared future for all.
Source: ARY NEWS
Summary:
Thousands evacuated in Victoria, Australia as a bushfire rages out of control. More than 2,000 people were ordered to leave the towns of Raglan and Beaufort, with over 1,000 firefighters, 24 aircraft, and 100 vehicles deployed. Extreme fire danger warnings were issued due to hot, dry winds and potential thunderstorms. Officials urged immediate evacuation for safety. No property damage was reported, but the situation was being closely monitored. The fires are expected to worsen throughout the evening, with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
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