SYDNEY, Jan 28, (V7N) - Southeast Australia is grappling with fast-moving wildfires as blazes in Victoria threaten national parks, rural communities, and vast areas of forest. Emergency crews are battling to contain the fires, which have scorched thousands of acres and forced evacuations.

Lightning strikes on Monday night sparked multiple fires in the Grampians National Park, west of Melbourne, a popular forested mountain range.

In Little Desert National Park, a separate fire has burned through 65,000 hectares (160,000 acres) in under 24 hours, an area roughly the size of Singapore.

The farming town of Dimboola was evacuated but has since seen a downgraded threat level.

Crews are working tirelessly to contain the fires and safeguard communities. Emergency management commissioner Rick Nugent expressed relief that no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far.

Chris Hardman from Forest Fire Management Victoria highlighted the need for urgent action, warning of challenging weather conditions that could exacerbate the spread of the fires.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a heatwave is expected to settle over parts of Victoria this weekend, with temperatures intensifying into next week.

Forecaster Kevin Parkyn cautioned that the ongoing dry conditions combined with soaring temperatures could lead to further fire risks.

Scientists attribute worsening fire conditions in Australia to climate change, with a marked increase in extreme fire weather since the 1950s.

The devastating "Black Summer" bushfires of 2019-2020, which killed 33 people and millions of animals, remain a stark reminder of the deadly potential of these fires.

Emergency services are focused on protecting communities and containing the fires before the weekend heatwave complicates efforts. The intensifying conditions highlight the urgent need for climate resilience and preparedness in a country increasingly prone to natural disasters.

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