Key Takeaways
- At least 16 structures have been destroyed by the Carlisle River fire in Victoria’s Otways
- Over 11,000 hectares have been burned, with the fire still out of control
- More than 105,000 properties lost power due to the heat, with over 2,900 still without power
- A total fire ban remains in place for the Wimmera and North East, with extreme fire danger expected
- An extreme heat warning is in place, with temperatures expected to reach up to 45C in the state’s north-east
- Dozens of children have been locked in cars, with Ambulance Victoria warning of the deadly consequences
Introduction to the Crisis
The Carlisle River fire in Victoria’s Otways has destroyed at least 16 structures, with the fire still burning out of control. The fire has burned over 11,000 hectares of land, with a strong wind change late yesterday afternoon impacting another 1,000 hectares. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said firefighters managed to hold the major fire back until it escaped containment lines at about 5pm on Tuesday. The fire has had a significant impact on the local community, with many residents seeking refuge at relief centers.
Firefighting Efforts
Fire Forest Management Victoria chief officer Chris Hardman said yesterday’s wind change delivered gusts of 50 to 70 kilometers per hour and saw the fire’s footprint expand. The fire is one of six major fires burning across the state, including three that remain out of control at Walwa in Victoria’s north, Dargo in Gippsland, and Carlisle River near Gellibrand. Firefighters from Alberta Wildfire in Canada are among international crews helping on the ground in Victoria. The federal government has also provided a Black Hawk chopper to help fight fires in Victoria, and emergency services personnel have been provided with ADF ration packets.
Power Outages and Heatwave
More than 105,000 customers across Victoria lost power due to the heat, with over 2,900 still without power as of 6:30pm. AusNet says extreme heat and record demand on its network caused a high number of faults overnight. Commissioner Wiebusch said it was a timely reminder for people, particularly in the state’s north, to charge their devices when possible to keep up to date with warnings and public information. The heatwave is expected to continue, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 45C in the state’s north-east. An extreme heat warning is in place, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of severe to extreme intensity heatwave conditions.
Impact on Local Communities
The fire has had a significant impact on local communities, with many residents seeking refuge at relief centers. Almost 160 people sought refuge at two relief centers in Colac overnight, with those centers still operating. The Gellibrand Water Treatment Plant is unable to supply water, with no tap water available in the town. Barwon Water said crews will inspect the damage at the plant this afternoon and provide a temporary drinking water supply as soon as possible. The heatwave is also having an impact on local farmers, with Rita Soares, a resident of Harcourt, saying the heat is challenging for her and her animals.
Health Risks and Safety Precautions
The heatwave is also posing health risks, with Ambulance Victoria warning of the dangers of heat stress and heat stroke. Dozens of children have been locked in cars, with Ambulance Victoria warning of the deadly consequences. Executive director regional operations Michael Georgiou said the temperature can rise at 20 to 30 degrees more in a car, double the temperature of outside. He encouraged Victorians to keep checking in on the vulnerable people in their community, and to stay hydrated and sun smart with sips of fluid throughout the day.
Investigations and Support
Detectives have determined that the cause of the Ravenswood South fire, which destroyed 50 homes in Harcourt, two in Walmer, and one in Sutton Grange, is not suspicious. Police say multiple people were spoken to as part of an extensive investigation, but no arrests were made. The cause of the fire has not been determined. The federal government has provided support to affected communities, with Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain saying the government had provided a Black Hawk chopper to help fight fires in Victoria. Canadian firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia have also arrived to assist local firefighters.