Bushfire rips through Victoria as scorching weather predicted

At least six homes and dozens of sheds have been destroyed by an out-of-control bushfire burning in Western Victoria. Residents west of Ballarat are being told it is still unsafe to return home. 550 firefighters are working to contain the blaze which has already burnt through more than 17,000 hectares of land. Authorities are warning of the state’s worst conditions since 2020 later this week with temperatures expected to soar into the mid-40s on Wednesday. Premier Jacinta Allan has urged residents to plan and prepare for more extreme bushfire conditions.