( CNN ) -- Authorities are asking residents in some some parts of south Australia to evacuate their homes as an impending heat wave prompted the nation to issue its first `` catastrophic '' brush fire warning . The warning system was put in place to better alert residents after a devastating brush fire ravaged the southeastern state of Victoria in February , killing more than 170 people and destroying 2,000 homes . During that fire , many residents stayed to defend their property . Though authorities still can not mandate that people leave , the new warning system urges people to flee . The Code Red `` Catastrophic '' warning was issued for the Eastern Eyre Peninsula and West Coast districts in the state of South Australia . Are you there ? Send your pictures , video . Such a rating means that even well-constructed and defended homes might not be safe from the blaze , the South Australian Fire Service said . In addition , three other districts -- Flinders , North West Pastoral and Lower Eyre Peninsula -- were placed under an `` Extreme '' watch . Such a rating means that only well-constructed homes can withstand the flames . An intense heat wave -- with temperatures climbing to 104 F ( 40 C ) -- is expected to hit the areas until the weekend . The region is already in the midst of a severe drought . Coupled with low humidity and strong winds , the soaring temperatures will make it ripe for fires to ignite . Any fire that breaks out will be uncontrollable , the fire service said . People in their path will likely die , it added .
Warning system put in place to better alert residents after a devastating fire ravaged Victoria in February . During that fire , many residents stayed to defend their property as the fire claimed 170 lives and 2,000 homes . An intense heat wave -- with temperatures climbing to 104 F ( 40 C ) -- is expected to hit south Australia until weekend .