More than 1,000 firefighters were brought in to battle a bushfire that broke out around Rocky Road in Bayindeen on Thursday, following severe hot and windy conditions in Victoria.
Victoria SES State Response Controller Tim Wiebusch says it is “not safe” for residents to return to homes where emergency warnings are active as firefighters are yet to control a blaze in the state’s west that has burned approx 15,969 hectares.
The bushfire in Western Victoria has been burning for nearly two days.
23 aircrafts are currently supporting the firefight, which has saved up to 50 properties, with an additional 33 on standby should the situation change.
State Control Centre spokesperson Luke Hegarty said the initial impact assessment has confirmed three houses and a number of sheds and outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire.
Emergency warnings remain active for residents in Bayindeen, Elmhurst Mount Lonarch, Main Lead, Raglan and surrounding areas.
Whilst locals in Glenpatrick, Amphitheatre, Raglan, Glenlofty, Nowhere Creek and surrounding areas have also been advised it is not safe to return.
“This bushfire is certainly not yet under control,” Mr Wiebusch told Sky News.
“The good news is that weather conditions over the coming days will be more favourable for that direct attack on that fire.
“For the people who are living in the footprints for the emergency warning and the watch and act, we are advising people that it is not safe to return.”
Mr Wiebusch warned there is still “a very active fire” in Bayindeen, Chute, Elmhurst, Mount Lonarch and surrounding towns.
The bushfire is travelling in a northerly direction south of Elmhurst in the state forest.
The fire has burnt through more than 15,000 hectares, with windy conditions hindering crews’ ability to get the blaze under control.
Relief Centres are located at:
- CE Brown Reserve, 236-296 Dowling Street Wendouree (Lake Wendouree Football Ground)
- Alexandra Oval, Waratah Avenue Ararat
- Princes Park reserve 40 Park Road Maryborough.
- Community members affected by emergencies can get relief information by calling the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.
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