Last week, a series of lightning strikes across south-eastern Australia sparked numerous bushfires in various states, with more than 100,000 cloud-to-ground strikes reported in Victoria alone from Sunday to Tuesday, according to Weatherzone. The resulting fires produced significant smoke visible from satellite imagery, affecting regions like the Grampians National Park, where an uncontrollable fire prompted a watch and act warning on the north-west side, while another fire was reported to be under control on the eastern side. Additionally, a fire is ongoing in the Little Desert National Park in Victoria. In South Australia, a fire in Mount Remarkable National Park is under an advisory-level warning.
In Tasmania, several fires are active on the western side, with the Tasmania Fire Service highlighting an uncontrollable fire at Canning Peak, which threatens the renowned Overland Track hiking trail. The situation is further complicated by the exceptionally hot and dry conditions this time of year, intensifying the fire risk across South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. Efforts to manage these blazes are ongoing as communities brace for potential escalations.