A code red catastrophic fire warning has been issued for Victoria, Australia, for the first time

[tabatha]

* Extreme heat in three states
* Fires could be uncontrollable, unpredictable
* Herald Sun: Red alert as heat builds
* Adelaide Now: The latest heatwave updates

RESIDENTS of three States are preparing for catastrophic and severe fire danger today.

A code red catastrophic fire warning has been issued in Victoria for the first time.

The highest level fire alert has been declared for Wimmera in the state's west on Monday, with the mercury expected to hit 43 degrees and northerly winds forecast.

Fire chiefs are warning residents in the affected area not to delay and leave their homes immediately, while holidaymakers in areas such as the Grampians National Park have been told to get out.

”We want the community to act now ... it is vital that we give this information because we are concerned about their lives,” Country Fire Authority chief fire officer Russell Rees said.

“This is about protecting life and taking action.”

http://www.news.com.au/national/fire-crews-brace-for-severe-danger-across-two-states/story-e6frfkvr-1225817728652

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Very scary! I hope people will be safe.

[aquart]

2. May they come out of it all safe.

[Captain Hilts]

3. Oh, no, not this again. Fingers crossed for Oz. nt

[iamjoy]

4. For Global Warming Doubters

as much of the US is gripped by prolonged record cold, remind the sarcastic global warming naysayers of the situation Down Under.

[Control-Z]

5. We're talking centigrade, right?

'The highest level fire alert has been declared for Wimmera in the state's west on Monday, with the mercury expected to hit 43 degrees and northerly winds forecast.'

I live in So Cal where we get Santa Ana wind conditions - trying to put things into perspective. A code red is not uncommon for my area. It can be very frightening - with great damage.

[GliderGuider]

6. Yes, 43 C is about 110 F. /nt