SYDNEY: With the highest temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, the Australian state of Victoria saw an alarming fire danger on Thursday.
Full fire bans have been declared for the Mallee, Wimmera, South West, North Country, North Central and Central as extreme fire danger is forecast in the regions.
Earlier in the day, an emergency warning was issued for some communities in the west of the state as the fire in Bayindeen and surrounding areas got out of control.
Due to safety concerns, the Western Highway between Ararat and Ballarat remains temporarily closed and train services between the two cities are also suspended.
County Fire Chief Jason Heffernan noted that Thursday’s conditions will not only make it difficult for firefighters to put out new fires, but will also be challenging for outbreaks that have started since last week’s catastrophic blaze.
According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, a cold front is expected to cross Victoria soon, bringing gusty winds, possible showers, thunder and dry lightning.
“Temperatures may drop by as much as 15 degrees Celsius,” the Met Office noted.
