Victoria Braces for Catastrophic Bushfire Conditions, Mass Evacuations Underway
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Victoria is facing a severe bushfire threat, with catastrophic fire danger ratings prompting widespread evacuations and significant disruptions to travel across the state. A total fire ban has been declared as authorities urge residents and visitors to prioritize safety and heed warnings.
A senior official stated that conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous, particularly in several key regions. The Great Ocean Road is experiencing significant impacts, with numerous caravan parks and camping grounds being evacuated on Thursday afternoon.
Great Ocean Road Under evacuation Orders
Among the areas directly affected are the Kennett River and Wye River camping grounds, alongside several popular holiday parks. Great Ocean Road Parks announced the closures and evacuations via social media, impacting numerous campgrounds including Skenes Creek Foreshore Caravan Park, Kennett River Family Holiday Park, and the Wye River Beachfront Campground.
All national parks and foreshores in the area are also closed,encompassing the Great Otway National Park,the iconic Twelve apostles,and the Kennett River and Wye River Foreshores. Authorities are strongly advising people to avoid all forest environments and remain informed about emergency updates.
Widespread Park and Forest Closures
The impending catastrophic fire danger has led to preemptive closures of parks and forests in the Wimmera, North Central, Northern Country, and South west districts, effective Friday. According to DEECA Barwon South West, conditions will be too hazardous for visitation.
A critical warning was issued emphasizing the potential for limited notification of closures. “Individuals may not be notified and you may not see closure signs or physical barriers. Leave early,†the agency cautioned in a social media post. The lorne and Anglesea Visitor Information Centres will also be closed to the public.
V/Line Services Cancelled as Heatwave Intensifies
The forecast for extreme heat and dangerous fire conditions has triggered an unprecedented response from V/Line, the state’s passenger rail operator. Most train services across Victoria have been cancelled for Friday, with no coach replacement services available.
Specifically, services on the Warrnambool, Albury, Ararat, Bendigo, Echuca, Maryborough, Seymour, Shepparton, and Swan Hill lines will be suspended. The Geelong and Ballarat lines will remain operational, but will adhere to an extreme heat timetable, perhaps experiencing slower speeds, longer journey times, and partial coach replacements.
Passengers are advised to plan ahead, as delays and service changes are anticipated if temperatures exceed 36 degrees Celsius. Forecasts predict temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in Geelong and 41 degrees Celsius in Melbourne on Friday.
Coach services traversing the North Central, North Country, and South West fire districts will be entirely cancelled, even for portions of the route outside the directly affected areas. All coach services for the Wimmera region, including those arriving and departing from Ararat and Ballarat stations, and also the Adelaide to Bendigo route, have also been cancelled. The Department of Transport confirmed thes cancellations are based on guidance from the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.
If catastrophic fire danger ratings are extended to other regions, corresponding service cancellations will be implemented. Passengers are urged to consult the V/Line website for the most current travel information.
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The situation remains dynamic, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
