Fire fighters are battling to control fires in three states in southern Australia as temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius and winds are expected
ADVERTISEMENTFire fighters are battling to control fires in three states in southern Australia as temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius and winds are expected to reach 90 km per hour.
An area covering 20 square kilometres near Moyston in Victoria is engulfed in flames according to the fire services.
Up to nine planes attempted to bring the blaze under control as it burnt across an area of 1,700 hectares.
Residents there have been advised it is now too late to leave the area and to take shelter indoors.
Elsewhere, residents were told to evacuate as the fires burned out of control, threatening lives and properties.
Emergency warnings remain in place for two states as well as a complete fire ban as temperatures soar to over 40 degrees Celsius and winds continue to fan the flames.
#Heatwave forecast for southern #Australia tomorrow. Be prepared Total Fire Ban for most areas http://t.co/NCZrwFnm5Gpic.twitter.com/jdtcIqTepv
— WORLD OUTBACK NEWS (@NewsOutback) January 2, 2015
A scrub fire burning in Tantanoola was heading towards the towns of Burrungule and Glencoe and authorities warned it was no longer safe to leave the town.
View Larger MapTasmania has also imposed a state-wide fire ban.
Temperatures are expected to drop slightly by Saturday lunchtime but no rain is expected to help put out the blaze.