Key Takeaways:
- Multiple out-of-control bushfires are burning across Victoria, with three emergency-level fires in the state.
- The Longwood fire in central Victoria and the Carlisle River fire in the Otways are of greatest concern to firefighters.
- At least 130 structures have been destroyed by bushfires across Victoria, with that figure expected to rise.
- A state of disaster has been declared in Victoria, with the Australian Defence Force assisting with the emergency response.
- A total fire ban has been declared for the entire state of Victoria on Sunday.
Introduction to the Bushfires
The state of Victoria is currently battling multiple out-of-control bushfires, with volatile winds and lower temperatures setting in across the state on Saturday. The fires have already destroyed homes and swept through several towns, including Harcourt and Natimuk. The Longwood fire in central Victoria and the Carlisle River fire in the Otways are of greatest concern to firefighters, with the Longwood blaze having already burned through 144,000 hectares of land.
Current Fire Situation
There are three emergency-level fires burning across the state, with the Longwood fire in central Victoria, the Carlisle River fire in the Otways, and the Walwa fire in north-east Victoria. The Carlisle River fire burnt throughout Saturday, with the fire moving north-east towards the border town of Colac and threatening the town of Gellibrand. The fire had burnt through about 1,700 hectares by Saturday evening, with authorities urging people in the area to monitor warnings. The State Control Centre spokeswoman, Reegan Key, warned that the fires are moving quickly in the forest and that people should stay informed about what’s happening in the area.
Community Response
On Saturday, residents in Natimuk in the state’s west were left to sift through the devastation of a fire that ripped through the town on Friday. About 20 structures are estimated to have been destroyed in the town, with authorities addressing Natimuk residents at a community meeting in Horsham. The Horsham Mayor, Brian Klowss, said that reality is hitting home for the community, with emotions running high. Residents at the south-eastern edge of the Longwood fire, in towns like Yea, Alexandra, and Buxton, remained on high alert across Saturday, with many evacuating their homes.
Firefighting Efforts
The Australian Defence Force will assist with the emergency response, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing the deployment on Saturday afternoon. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen earlier declared a state of disaster after more than 60 fires ignited across the state on Friday. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the fires, with CFA volunteer Shona Guest preparing to rejoin her brigade on Sunday to battle the Longwood fire. The worst-case scenario, according to Guest, is that the wind will change, blow the fire into unburnt territory, and they will have to start all over again.
Evacuation Warnings
Evacuation warnings have been issued for several areas, including the Walwa fire, which covers a large area to the south and south-east of the blaze. A wind change on Saturday afternoon pushed the fire towards the Tallangatta Valley, with residents urged to stay informed and follow evacuation orders. The Ravenswood fire destroyed multiple homes in the town of Harcourt on Friday, with residents still waiting for the all-clear to return home following safety assessments in the town.
Prevention Measures
A total fire ban has been declared for the entire state of Victoria on Sunday, with authorities urging people to take precautions to prevent further fires from igniting. The ban is in place due to the high fire danger, with temperatures expected to remain high across the state. People are advised to stay informed about the latest fire warnings and to follow any evacuation orders. The VicEmergency website provides up-to-date information on the latest fire warnings and evacuation orders.
