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Victoria Faces Catastrophic Fire Danger
8 Jan
Summary
- Two large bushfires burned over 3,000 hectares in Victoria.
- Catastrophic fire danger rating issued for Friday.
- Temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Victoria, Australia, is facing an imminent threat as uncontrolled bushfires rage through its landscapes. On Thursday, two significant fires, each exceeding 3,000 hectares, were burning near Longwood and Walwa, destroying at least two structures. The situation is expected to worsen significantly on Friday.
Authorities have declared a 'catastrophic' fire danger rating, the highest level, for Friday, warning of a real risk to life and property. This alert comes as temperatures are forecast to surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of the state, with increased heat and wind expected to fuel the fires.
The conditions are being compared to those of 2019, a year marked by the 'Black Summer' bushfires that devastated southeastern Australia. In response to the extreme danger, approximately 450 schools across Victoria are scheduled to close on Friday, and total fire bans are in effect for several districts.
