Newcastle, Australia — As a serious heat wave intensifies, communities and firefighters in Australia’s second-largest state are gearing up for potentially catastrophic wildfires. On Thursday, soaring temperatures fueled by unpredictable winds created the most perilous fire situation in years.

In Victoria, temperatures have climbed to 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit), with expectations of variable winds throughout the day. Fire officials have urgently advised residents in rural areas to postpone travel or evacuate their homes in favor of safety in designated shelters.

Multiple uncontrolled fires are currently blazing in the state, with the deputy premier of Victoria, Ben Carroll, warning that there is a strong likelihood of more fires developing in the coming days. During a press conference in Melbourne, Carroll stated, “Dangerous fire conditions are forming today and will persist until Saturday. New fires can ignite anywhere and escalate rapidly.”

The most significant uncontrolled fire is located in the Grampians National Park, where 55,000 hectares have already burned, although there have not yet been reports of homes lost. However, Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent indicated that many residential areas on the edge of the fire are at risk. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up seeing residential losses,” Nugent remarked. “I can assure you that firefighters are doing everything they can to safeguard lives and property.”

Fire authorities have issued an emergency warning for the small town of Mafeking, situated 260 kilometers (160 miles) west of Melbourne. Residents were warned that “you are in danger and must act immediately to survive. Taking shelter indoors is your safest option, as evacuation is no longer feasible.”

In support of local firefighting efforts, approximately 100 firefighters from other Australian states have arrived in Victoria. These teams are receiving assistance from numerous water-bombing aircraft to combat the active blazes.

Additionally, neighboring states of South Australia and New South Wales have also activated high alert statuses due to the extreme heat and increased danger of wildfires. The current hot, arid conditions are drawing comparisons to the Black Summer fires of 2019-20, which devastated Australia’s most populated regions for several months, incinerating 104,000 square kilometers — an area roughly equivalent to Ohio, leading to the destruction of thousands of homes and claiming 33 lives.