Emergency bushfire engulfs South-West Victoria as intensifying heatwave drives extreme fire conditions and forces residents to shelter

An out-of-control bushfire in south-west Victoria has reached emergency level. Residents are ordered to take shelter as the blaze threatens homes and lives. Authorities state it is too late to leave safely. A wind change is expected, shifting the fire's direction. A total fire ban is in effect across multiple Victorian regions. This occurs as Victoria experiences a prolonged heatwave.