Heatwave sparks warning of potentially devastating wildfires in Australia

Smoke billows from an out of control bushfire in the Grampians National Park (State Control Centre via AP)

Communities and firefighters across Australia’s second-most populous state are preparing for potentially devastating wildfires as a heatwave fanned by erratic winds presented the worst fire conditions in years.

With temperatures in Victoria reaching 37C and with wind changes expected throughout the day, fire chiefs have issued warnings to rural communities to delay travel or leave their homes and seek safety at shelters.