Western Victoria Bushfires Burn Over 70,000 Hectares, Destroy Homes and Landmarks

Fast-moving fires sparked by dry lightning have devastated communities near Dimboola and the Little Desert National Park, with firefighters battling to contain the spread ahead of forecasted heatwaves.

Bushfires in western Victoria, fueled by dry lightning and extreme fire conditions, have scorched over 70,000 hectares of land since Monday.
The Little Desert Nature Lodge, a historic eco-tourism site near Nhill, was completely destroyed, along with at least one home in Dimboola; others are feared lost.
Fire crews are working to contain active fires in the Little Desert and Grampians National Parks, with over 400 personnel, 120 vehicles, and nearly 30 aircraft deployed.
The fires have prompted evacuations in several communities, with residents given little time to leave as the flames spread rapidly, covering over 40 kilometers in a single day.
Authorities warn of worsening conditions later this week, with a heatwave forecast to bring temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, potentially igniting new fires.

9News

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Sydney Morning Herald