Emergency authorities have warned that Friday will be an extremely dangerous bushfire day in Victoria, as a severe heatwave pushes temperatures above 40 °C across parts of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared a catastrophic fire danger rating for large areas of the state, the highest warning level, meaning fires could spread rapidly and be impossible to control once they start. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the combination of extreme heat, strong winds and very low humidity creates conditions that could threaten lives.

Several active bushfires are already burning in Victoria’s north and northeast, including near Longwood and Walwa, where thousands of hectares of bushland have been scorched and some structures damaged, as reported by Reuters. Firefighters remain on high alert as weather conditions are expected to worsen.

Authorities have declared a total fire ban across Victoria for Friday. Residents in high-risk areas have been urged to leave early, particularly those living near bushland, forests or grasslands. Emergency officials warned that waiting until a fire starts could be fatal, as evacuation routes may quickly become blocked.

Public parks, forests and camping areas across the state are being closed, and residents have been advised to avoid outdoor activities that could spark fires, including the use of machinery, power tools or open flames. Schools and childcare centres in several regions are also expected to close due to the extreme heat and fire risk.

The heatwave extends beyond Victoria. South Australia is experiencing similar conditions, with temperatures climbing above 40 °C in some areas and fire bans in place. New South Wales authorities have also issued heat and fire warnings, particularly for inland and western regions, according to ABC News.

Emergency services have issued clear guidance to the public:
1. Leave early if you are in a high-risk area
2. Have a bushfire survival plan
3. Monitor official updates through emergency apps, radio and television
4. Do not rely on last-minute evacuation. Authorities stressed that catastrophic fire danger means the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the morning, well before conditions peak.

Weather forecasters say the heatwave may ease over the weekend. Still, officials warned that any spark on Friday could result in fast-moving, life-threatening fires, urging residents to take the warnings seriously.