The heatwave still grips Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales, making the authorities stay very alert as the heat reaches the highest point of the year. The residents of the three states will have to endure the heat that has not been experienced in years, with Victoria having to shut down all its fire activities on Friday.
Smoke from the fires in Victoria is going toward Canberra, which results in the warning for asthmatics and people with other respiratory problems to limit their outdoor activities and keep their windows closed. Firefighters, the police, and other emergency workers are bracing for extreme fire situations in a number of different regions.
Communities brace for record heat and bushfire threats. [Source: BBC]
What Areas Are Most At Risk From Fires?
Residents of Victoria who live close to Longwood, Walwa, and Mount Lawson are faced with bushfire threats of the most immediate nature as fires are rapidly spreading through rural communities.
The issuance of emergency warnings compels the villagers of Ruffy, Avenel, Dropmore, Tarcombe, and Upton Hill to take refuge, while others are prompted to evacuate. Firefighters and the local government are struggling with the fierce flames, and the fire has already destroyed some houses. The fire in Longwood has consumed over 9,000 acres by itself.
How Hot Are The Temperatures Across States?
Southeast Australia is having a heatwave where the temperatures are up to 18 °C higher than the average for mid-January, causing many places to experience the hottest days in 6 to 7 years.
The towns in NSW, such as Hay registered 45.9C, Deniliquin 45.4C, and Albury 43.0C, while Victoria’s Hopetoun reached 46.3C, Swan Hill 46.0C, and Mildura 45.6C. Also, South Australia was very hot, with Wudinna getting 48.2 °C and Tarcoola 48.1 °C. The record-breaking temperatures have raised a lot of concerns regarding public health and fire risks.
Watch and Act warnings expand in Victoria’s fire zones. [Source: Facebook]
Authorities Mobilise Emergency Services
Ambulance Victoria has imposed a Red Escalation over a number of areas and has moved paramedics to the places where only life-threatening emergencies exist. The municipalities affected have closed the daycare centres that are located in fire-prone areas and told the residents to leave on a safe note.
The fire services in South Australia have instituted total fire bans in 11 out of 15 districts and are standing by to lend a hand to the Victoria fire department if needed. The bushfire warning system of Victoria is still operational, and updates in real-time on VicEmergency are giving the necessary guidance.
Ambulance Victoria enacts Red Escalation for critical zones. [Source: ABC News]
How Are Communities Coping With Extreme Heat?
The people in Adelaide, Sydney, and regional areas have come up with different ways to deal with the oppressive heat. The beachgoers are moving to the less hot places in SA, while Sydney is providing homeless people with church and relief centre accommodations, giving them ice-cold water, sunscreen, and shade.
A lot of the residents have changed their schedules and have started doing things like taking early morning walks, using air conditioning, and drinking a lot of water. The community’s ability to recover is being challenged by the fires and the heat that are making life inconvenient daily.
What Should Residents Know To Stay Safe?
The officials are advising people not to wait for fire to come close to them but to follow the least danger through VicEmergency, SA CFS, and NSW Rural Fire Service warning systems. Where fire risk is high, the evacuation of areas is recommended, and residents should implement bushfire survival plans.
People living in affected regions should have emergency kits ready, have water stocked up and stay inside during the hottest part of the day. The conjunction of the Victoria heatwave 2026 and the ongoing bushfires signals the necessity of a constant watch over southern Australia.
Also read: Emergency Warning Kalamunda: Residents Urged To Evacuate Amid Intense Bushfire
FAQs
Q1: What areas are under the highest fire risk currently?
A1: Longwood, Walwa, Mount Lawson, Ruffy, Avenel, Dropmore, Tarcombe, Upton Hilland nearby communities face immediate danger.
Q2: How hot are temperatures during this heatwave?
A2: Temperatures have reached up to 48.2C °C in SA, 46.3C °C in Victoria and 45.9 °C in NSW, breaking multi-year records.
Q3: Are emergency services actively responding?
A3: Yes, Ambulance Victoria has declared a Red Escalation, and fire agencies are enforcing bans and evacuations.
Q4: How can residents stay informed about bushfire threats?
A4: Use VicEmergency, SA CFS alerts, NSW Rural Fire Service updates, and local council advisories for real-time information.
