Australia is currently enduring a record-breaking severe heatwave causing at least six major wildfires. Temperatures in many cities have risen sharply, with some nearing 50 degrees Celsius.
Foreign news agencies reported on 27 Jan 2026 that Australia is facing an unprecedented intense heatwave, pushing temperatures in the country's southeast to new highs. Firefighters are currently battling at least six large ongoing wildfires.
Local news outlet ABC News reported that two wildfires are classified at “emergency” level. Several communities have received emergency warnings instructing residents to evacuate, remain alert, await further orders, or seek shelter. Fire officials warned that the situation is rapidly evolving and urged locals to closely monitor the latest alerts.
The meteorological department stated that some areas in Victoria state have hit record temperatures, with one location reaching 48.9 degrees Celsius, while Melbourne recorded 40 degrees Celsius.
Chris Hardman, Chief Fire Officer of Victoria’s Fire Management Unit, told reporters that the extreme heat in the state is making firefighting operations incredibly challenging.
Currently, two wildfires at Camperdown and the Otways are at emergency levels. Additionally, a newly ignited fire in the Larralea area is causing “significant concern.”
Jason Heffernan, Chief Officer of the Country Fire Authority (CFA), told ABC Radio that there is a risk the Otways fire could produce “ember showers,” which can scatter embers and ignite new fires ahead of the main fire front.
The extent of wildfire damage is still unclear, but Alistair Drayton, Australia’s Deputy Incident Controller, said he has received “reports” that some homes have already been destroyed by the fires.
Besides Victoria, which has imposed a strict ban on open fires, South Australia has also declared the wildfire risk at the “highest level.”
Meanwhile, Caroline McElney, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, warned that the prolonged extreme heat poses serious health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
“Extreme heat can cause life-threatening health issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It can also trigger severe events like heart attacks or strokes,” she said.
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Source:bbc