Firefighters in Victoria, Australia, are fighting at least six major fires amid a severe heatwave. Two fires, in Camperdown and Otways, are at "emergency level," says ABC News. Some communities have emergency warnings to evacuate, stay alert, or shelter in place as conditions shift quickly. Temperatures are soaring to new highs, with one area reaching 48.9C and Melbourne hitting 41C, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Chris Hardman, chief fire officer at Forest Fire Management Victoria, said the heat makes firefighting "incredibly difficult." A new fire in Larralea adds to concerns. Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Hefferman warned the Otways fire might spread embers causing new fires ahead of the main blaze. Deputy Incident Controller Alistair Drayton noted some homes may have been lost but praised firefighters' "spectacular" efforts. Victoria has a total fire ban, and South Australia is under extreme fire risk alert. Health officials warn the heat poses dangers, especially for the elderly, children, and those with health issues. Victoria's chief health officer Caroline McElnay said the heat can cause "potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke" and may trigger heart attacks or strokes.