Victoria's emergency services have been stretched for a second day as they contend with a scorching start to 2025. A cool change is making its way across the state, but not before temperatures tipped past 40 degrees in many centres. As Victorians sought refuge from the heat, there was little rest for lifesavers. In the meantime, firefighters have been busy with flames burning close to major roads and homes.
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00:00Another day of extreme fire conditions.
00:06Authorities investigating two suspicious fires.
00:10In Port Melbourne, dozens of firefighters battled a blaze along the Westgate Freeway.
00:16Whoa! There is a burst of fire there.
00:20Sparks just after 8.30 last night.
00:23We saw an unbelievable amount of flames.
00:26It took just over an hour to control.
00:30In Melbourne's east, another blaze gutted a Nunawading shopping centre, forcing 30 people to evacuate their homes.
00:38It's just reckless behaviour that puts the community at risk.
00:42The heat has challenged firefighters in the state's west, still battling the Grampians' blaze.
00:48All things being equal, and we get through today's weather, we're likely to see that fire move to contain tomorrow.
00:55Life-saving Victoria has been stretched too.
00:58We don't remember a day where we've been that busy and so many Victorians have needed our help.
01:02They were on alert again today, as the mercury soared past 42 degrees in some parts of the state.
01:11Melbourne Zoo was a hot choice for the cold-blooded.
01:14The heat meant there was little to do but sit around, while others enjoyed an icy snack.
01:21Don't know if I'm going to have icy power ice cream.
01:24Many Melbournians made plans to escape the sun inside.
01:28Just getting out of the sun because, oh my god, it's so hot.
01:31Keeping the shade as much as we can.
01:33While some are actively avoiding the heat, others are catching rays on the water,
01:37making the most of the sunshine before the balance shifts with a cool change in rain forecast tomorrow morning.
01:44Tourists flock to St Kilda's newly refurbished pier.
01:48It just cooks hotter out here.
01:50It's tough compared to back home, where it's currently snowing now.
01:53We're still getting used to it, but we're loving it.
01:55While there's relief on the way.
01:57Please stay alert, stay active and make sure you keep up to the advice at hand.