Extreme heatwave warning for Aussie state as out-of-control Grampians fire forces residents to evacuate

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Victorians have been told to flee a bushfire that has been burning out of control for almost a week as authorities warn of an extended heatwave. 

An emergency warning has been issued for the small farming community of Mirranatwa in Victoria’s Grampians National Park as the bushfire moves south.

The blaze was expected to hit Red Hill Road on Sunday.

‘Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous,’ the alert read.

The mercury is predicted to reach the high 30s and low 40s across Victoria from Sunday to Tuesday, as part of a three-day heatwave.

There will not be much respite in the evenings, with temperatures expected to stay high even after sundown.

‘There’s not going to be a lot of opportunity for people’s bodies to recover from the heat of the day overnight,’ State Control Centre spokesman Luke Hegarty said on Sunday.

‘So it’s critical that you reassess what your plans are for the next few days and make sure you’re taking it easy on your body.’

An emergency warning has been issued for the small farming community of Mirranatwa in Victoria’s Grampians National Park (pictured) as the bushfire moves south

Holidaymakers have been urged to evacuate the Grampians National Park (pictured)

Holidaymakers have been urged to evacuate the Grampians National Park (pictured)

The high temperatures also bring the chance of dry thunderstorms and lightning, increasing the risk of fires in western and central districts, including metropolitan Melbourne.

More than 10,000 lighting strikes struck the ground on Australia Day, sparking fires in the Grampians and Little Desert national parks in Victoria’s west.

The blazes in the Grampians continue to burn out of control, while the threat of the Little Desert blaze has reduced after crews were able to contain it.

Firefighters are working to manage hazardous trees, set up containment lines and extinguish hotspots as those living nearby are warned to enact their bushfire plan as conditions worsen.

Crews are focusing on protecting cultural, environmental and physical assets.

‘We expect over the next few days there is potential for that fire to expand, although with lighter winds we do have our fingers crossed we might not see too much threat,’ Mr Hegarty said.

High levels of smoke and ash have been reported in the area, with a smoke haze from the Grampians fire blanketing Adelaide on Sunday morning.

It comes as fire crews ready for a longer-than-usual fire season, with little rain predicted for Victoria in February.

The mercury is predicted to reach the high 30s and low 40s from Sunday to Tuesday

The mercury is predicted to reach the high 30s and low 40s from Sunday to Tuesday

Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said the lack of rain could lead to a protracted bushfire season for the state already ravaged by blazes in its west.

Fires are not the only danger, with Deputy Chief Health Officer Evelyn Wong reminding Victorians not to underestimate the incoming heatwave.

Those most at risk are those older than 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with acute and chronic health conditions and socially isolated individuals.

Authorities are urging people to plan activities for the coolest part of the day, drink plenty of water, wear light and loose-fitting clothing and check on family, friends and neighbours.

Those struggling to stay cool in their homes should head somewhere cool with air conditioning, such as a shopping centre or a friend’s place.

Elsewhere, vast parts of WA have high and extreme fire danger ratings on Sunday as north Queenslanders brace for historic rainfall leading to life-threatening flooding.

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