What is causing the bushfires in Victoria?

Victoria is experiencing an extreme heatwave with high temperatures and strong winds, which has caused existing bushfires to jump containment lines and threatened towns.

When was the last time Victoria experienced a heatwave this severe?

The current heatwave is the most severe Victoria has faced in almost 20 years, with conditions comparable to those in 2009 before the Black Saturday bushfires.

What areas in Victoria are most affected by the current heatwave and fires?

The Otways region, including Gellibrand, is threatened by an out-of-control bushfire. Northern and western parts of the state are expecting consecutive days over 40C, with areas like Mildura facing extreme temperatures.

Home / Weather / Victoria Heatwave Sparks Out-of-Control Bushfires

Victoria Heatwave Sparks Out-of-Control Bushfires

25 Jan

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Summary

Victoria faces its worst heatwave in 15 years, triggering out-of-control bushfires.
An out-of-control bushfire in Gellibrand threatened homes as temperatures soared.
Extreme heat and winds caused fires to jump containment lines across the state.

Victoria Heatwave Sparks Out-of-Control Bushfires

Victoria is currently experiencing extreme weather conditions, marked by its worst heatwave since 2009. This has led to several out-of-control bushfires threatening communities. In the Otways region, a fire near Gellibrand escalated on January 11th, 2026, after winds and extreme heat caused it to breach containment lines. Emergency services issued warnings for residents to seek shelter.

Across the state, many areas have recorded temperatures above 40C, with predictions of record-breaking highs in western Victoria. Mildura anticipates a peak of 48C on January 14th, 2026, and Melbourne is forecast to reach 43C on January 13th, 2026. Six fires were active, with four remaining uncontrolled on January 12th, 2026.

Smoke from the Otways fire has impacted air quality in Geelong and Melbourne. Meanwhile, a separate fire near Walwa in the north-east, burning since January 5th, 2026, continues to pose a threat. Authorities are also warning of the dangers of hot cars, having responded to 11 cases involving children on January 11th, 2026.