Record El Niño raises Australian spring fire risk

In late July 2026, Australian authorities and meteorologists warned that a record-breaking El Niño event points to a dry and fire-prone spring. Multiple grass and scrub fires were already reported across Victoria, including in Lysterfield, Blackmore, and Lowanna, as the state faces heightened fire danger.

The warnings come as communities in Victoria also mourn the loss of Helena Wright and her children, with a local toy library making a statement in their memory. The combination of the strong El Niño and ongoing fire activity has put emergency services on alert for the coming months.