Firefighters in the Australian state of Victoria are battling at least six major fires as a record-breaking heatwave hits the country's south-east.
Two fires are currently burning at emergency level according to local broadcaster ABC News. Several communities have been issued emergency warnings to either evacuate, watch and wait, or shelter in place.
Fire officials warn that the situation is changing rapidly and have asked locals to stay up to date with the latest warnings.
The Bureau of Meteorology says that parts of the state have seen all-time temperature highs - with one area hitting a high of 48.9C. Melbourne has recorded a temperature of 41C.
Chris Hardman, the chief fire officer at Forest Fire Management Victoria, stated that the state's heat conditions were making conditions incredibly difficult for firefighters.
Two fires - in Camperdown and Otways - are burning at emergency level. A new fire in the Larralea area is also causing significant concern.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief officer Jason Hefferman expressed concerns about the Otways fire potentially producing ember showers that could ignite new fires.
While the extent of damage remains unclear, Australia's Deputy Incident Controller Alistair Drayton indicated there is anecdotal evidence suggesting some homes have been lost.
He also praised the spectacular work done by firefighters thus far.
Apart from Victoria, where there is a total fire ban, South Australia has also been placed under alert for extreme fire risk.
Meanwhile, health officials have warned that the prolonged heat carries significant health risks, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions. Victoria's chief health officer Caroline McElnay cautioned that heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attacks, and strokes are possible threats during this extreme weather.
