HEAT WAVE IN VICTORIA Hottest Day Since 1924. 01 Feb 1926. Forest areas and grazing lands are alight, and the almost consistent wall of fire rages for 50 miles.
HEAT WAVE IN VICTORIA (1926, February 1). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 – 1954), p. 7. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/29128573?searchTerm=dandenongs%20bushfires&searchLimits=#
Bush Fires Everywhere Narrow Escape of Fire Fighters
MELBOURNE, January 31.
As a climax to a week of very trying weather, Melbourne to-day experienced the hottest day since January, 1924, and the temperature about 3 o’clock reached 104 deg.
Reports from all parts of the State show that bush fires are burning in almost every direction, but the Dandenong Ranges appear to be experiencing the most serious outbreak’s, extending
from Dromana, near the Port Phillip Head, round to Healesville, Warburton, and Doncaster. Forest areas and grazing lands are alight, and the almost consistent wall of fire rages for 50
miles.
Incalculable damage has been done to grazing and orchard properties, and much valuable timber has been destroyed. From several quarters there are reports of narrow escapes by fire-fighters, and several settlers’ homes have been, demolished by the flames. At Belgrave, in the hills, a fire has been raging all the week, and it broke out to-day with renewed vigour, advancing upon the small settlement of Aura, where the post office and several homes are in danger.
The tourist road from Fern Tree Gully to Olinda is blocked at the Devil’s Elbow, near Belgrave, where the fire is raging on both sides of the road.
Many motorists have been held up and compelled to turn upon their tracks to Olinda, where it is likely they will have to spend the night.
Cooler conditions are expected tonight, but there is no immediate prospect of rain, and much anxiety exists in official quarters as a result.