Victoria Faces Very Hot Weather and Big Fires

Victoria is experiencing very hot weather and dangerous bushfires. Temperatures are breaking records, and fires are burning in places like the Grampians. People are warned to be careful and follow safety advice.
By Newsroom | Australia, Victoria |

Victoria, Australia – The state of Victoria is confronting a perilous confluence of record-breaking heat and escalating bushfire activity. Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts and emergency service alerts highlight the imminent threat of "classic fire spike days" and "catastrophic" fire danger across multiple regions, prompting widespread warnings and emergency responses. The situation demands careful consideration as authorities navigate severe weather and significant blazes that have already caused substantial damage and disruption.

BoM warns of ‘classic fire spike day’ for Victoria – as it happened - 1

Mounting Heat and Fire Danger

Victorian residents are facing a severe and prolonged heatwave, with temperatures shattering previous records. This extreme heat, combined with dry conditions, is creating an environment ripe for dangerous bushfire behavior.

BoM warns of ‘classic fire spike day’ for Victoria – as it happened - 2

  • Record Temperatures: Several locations have experienced unprecedented heat, with some towns setting new monthly records for January. Temperatures have regularly climbed above 40 degrees Celsius in many areas.

  • Widespread Fire Danger Ratings: The Bureau of Meteorology has issued "Fire Weather Warnings" for numerous districts, indicating high to extreme fire danger. Critically, "Catastrophic Fire Danger" has been forecast for several areas, including North Central, Northern Country, South West, and Wimmera districts.

  • Total Fire Bans: In response to the escalating threat, total fire bans have been declared across the entire state of Victoria on multiple occasions, as well as in specific high-risk districts.

Active Fires and Emergency Responses

As of mid-February 2026, significant bushfires were actively burning across Victoria, prompting emergency evacuations and leading to considerable environmental damage.

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BoM warns of ‘classic fire spike day’ for Victoria – as it happened - 3

  • Grampians Region Blaze: A notable fire in the Grampians National Park has necessitated emergency evacuations and generated emergency warnings for surrounding communities. This blaze has pushed across control lines, exacerbated by strengthening winds.

  • Otways Fire: Another significant fire in the Otways region has been growing, further contributing to the state's firefighting challenges.

  • Road Closures and Disruptions: Active fires have led to numerous road closures, impacting travel and access. In some instances, regional train and bus services have been cancelled in areas facing catastrophic danger.

  • Property Loss: Reports indicate that several properties have been lost due to these fires.

Conflicting Perspectives on Preparedness and Response

While emergency services are issuing stark warnings, there are also indications of challenges and differing views regarding the state's preparedness and the efficacy of its response mechanisms.

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BoM warns of ‘classic fire spike day’ for Victoria – as it happened - 4

The Imminence of Danger

  • BoM Warnings: The Bureau of Meteorology has consistently warned of severe weather, labeling upcoming days as "classic fire spike days" and predicting "catastrophic" conditions. These alerts underscore the immediate and extreme nature of the threat.

  • Emergency Evacuations: The need for emergency evacuations in areas like the Grampians signifies the real and present danger posed by the fires, requiring residents to act on survival plans.

  • Record Heat Impact: The sustained extreme heat and high overnight temperatures, acknowledged by health officials, add another layer of risk, increasing the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and exacerbating fire conditions.

Infrastructure and Energy Concerns

  • Power Outages: Tens of thousands of households have experienced power outages. Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has stated that "fire-ravaged infrastructure," rather than supply shortages, caused these disruptions, suggesting that the fires themselves are impacting critical energy networks.

  • Energy Demand: The state's energy grid has been under immense strain, with one report noting a record for energy demand being broken during the heatwave. This raises questions about the grid's resilience during extreme weather events.

Expert Analysis and Observations

Authorities and emergency management officials have provided insights into the unfolding crisis, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the need for public vigilance.

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"You must take shelter before the fire arrives." - Emergency Services Warning

"The most dangerous day" - Description of impending fire conditions

"Considerable environmental damage" - Assessment of impact from blazes

"Erratic and dangerous" conditions have been forecast, particularly when combined with wind changes.

Conclusion and Implications

Victoria is currently experiencing a critical period defined by extreme heat and dangerous bushfire conditions. The recurring "Catastrophic Fire Danger" ratings, coupled with active blazes and historical data from severe fire events, underscore the gravity of the situation. The immediate focus remains on public safety, evacuation procedures, and the ongoing efforts of firefighting crews.

Looking ahead, the persistent extreme weather patterns and the impact on infrastructure, particularly the energy grid, will require sustained attention. The resilience of emergency services and public infrastructure against such escalating threats will be a key factor in managing future events. The events of late 2025 and early 2026 serve as a stark reminder of the volatile environmental challenges facing the state.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Victoria?
Victoria is having very hot weather and many bushfires. The heat is breaking records and making fires worse.
Q: Are there many fires?
Yes, there are big fires burning, like one in the Grampians. Some fires have caused damage and forced people to leave their homes.
Q: Is it dangerous?
Yes, the fire danger is very high in many parts of Victoria. Officials call it 'catastrophic' in some areas, meaning it is extremely dangerous.
Q: What should people do?
People should listen to emergency warnings, have a safety plan, and be ready to leave if told to do so. Stay safe in the heat and from fires.