Thousands ordered to evacuate as wildfire risk rises in Australia

Tuesday 27 January 2026 - 09:40

By: Sahili Aya

Thousands ordered to evacuate as wildfire risk rises in Australia

Thousands of residents in southeastern Australia have been ordered to evacuate as authorities warn of an increased risk of wildfires fueled by an intense and prolonged heatwave. The situation is particularly critical in rural areas, where extreme temperatures and strong winds are creating dangerous conditions.

A fast-moving bushfire in the Otways region has already burned tens of thousands of hectares, prompting fears that shifting winds could push flames closer to homes and infrastructure. Emergency services have warned that the combination of dry vegetation, high temperatures, and gusty winds could cause fires to spread rapidly.

To reduce the risk to lives, emergency teams have gone door to door in affected communities and sent warning messages to thousands of residents, urging them to leave immediately. Fire bans have been imposed across the state to prevent new outbreaks.

The heatwave is also affecting major events, including the Australian Open in Melbourne, where extreme heat protocols have been activated. Meteorologists forecast temperatures approaching record levels in Victoria, with some inland towns expected to experience temperatures well above 45 degrees Celsius before conditions gradually improve later in the week.