Home / Disasters and Accidents / Evacuation Urged as Major Bushfire Rages Near NSW Border
Evacuation Urged as Major Bushfire Rages Near NSW Border
7 Jan
Summary
- Bushfire near Victoria's border with NSW prompts evacuations.
- Extreme heatwave conditions fuel rising bushfire danger.
- One caravan destroyed; no injuries or livestock losses reported.
A significant bushfire near Victoria's border with New South Wales has forced evacuations in several small rural communities. The blaze has consumed approximately 1,200 hectares of bushland within Mt Lawson State Park and is reportedly shifting its path, threatening new areas. Emergency services have issued urgent evacuation orders, advising residents to leave immediately as homes are considered at risk.
This escalation occurs as Australia braces for a severe heatwave, with temperatures predicted to exceed 45C in some regions. Forecasters warn of conditions potentially rivaling the "black summer" fire season of 2019-20, with dry, hot air pushing across the country. Fire crews have been engaged in overnight backburning operations to contain the fire, though unburned vegetation still poses a significant risk.
Authorities are maintaining a high alert, especially with worsening weather conditions expected later in the week. While one caravan has been destroyed, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities. Total fire bans have been declared across large parts of Victoria, including major cities, as emergency services monitor the evolving situation.
