Authorities Order Evacuations as Bushfires Rage in Southeast Australia

Authorities in southeastern Australia have issued evacuation orders due to bushfires caused by lightning strikes earlier this week. The fires, near the southwestern edge of Grampians National Park, west of Melbourne, have spread rapidly, prompting emergency services to order at least 100 residents from four small towns to evacuate immediately.

Victorian officials warned that fire activity significantly intensified overnight, causing a blaze to spread across the national park’s western edge. With conditions expected to worsen, residents were urged to leave immediately as emergency services may be unable to assist if they stay.

The fire has grown to 7,000 hectares, damaging private property. Firefighters are working to control the fires ahead of an impending heatwave forecasted from Saturday through Tuesday, with additional communities advised to prepare for possible evacuation.