Key Takeaways:
- A bushfire is threatening communities in south-west Victoria, with an Emergency Warning issued for the Carlisle River area
- The fire has escaped control lines and is moving due to a wind change, with towns south of the fire told to take shelter
- A total fire ban is in place for the entire state, with high to extreme fire conditions expected to continue for the next week
- The state is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach the high 30s and low 40s across much of Victoria
- Authorities are warning people to remain hydrated, stay out of the heat, and remain safe if swimming at Victoria’s beaches, lakes, and rivers
Introduction to the Bushfire
The state of Victoria is facing a severe bushfire threat, with a fire in the Carlisle River area of south-west Victoria escaping control lines and moving due to a wind change. An Emergency Warning has been issued for the area, with towns south of the fire, including Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Ferguson, Gellibrand, and Wyelangta, told to take shelter. The fire is threatening homes and lives, and it is too late to leave the area safely.
Fire Conditions and Spread
The fire, which started on January 10, had been brought under control, but it has now escaped control lines on the south-eastern edge due to hot weather and north-westerly winds. The wind change is making conditions "tricky" for firefighters, with a significant number of aircraft and a large air-tanker attempting to contain the fire from above. Ground crews have been deployed to surrounding towns, including Gellibrand, to try to contain the fire. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting continued south-westerly winds in the Otways region, which will keep the fire active.
Impact on Local Communities
The fire is having a significant impact on local communities, with smoke visible from Gellibrand and other nearby towns. Otway Blueberries owner Lisa Agnew described the situation as "ominous," with the sun hidden behind smoke and the ground turned a strange yellow color. The business is about 1.5 kilometers west of Gellibrand and is preparing for ember attack. The fire is burning at a similar distance to blazes earlier this month, and Ms. Agnew said it is difficult to face the situation again so soon.
Statewide Fire Situation
The bushfire in south-west Victoria is not the only fire burning in the state. There are major fires in the areas of Longwood, Walwa, and Mallacoota, with Watch and Act warnings in place for the Walwa and Wonnangatta Valley fires. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said that while the fire conditions are not as bad as they were on January 9, there is still significant fire danger across the state. A total fire ban is in place for the entire state, with high to extreme fire conditions expected to continue for the next week.
Heatwave and Fire Danger
The state is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach the high 30s and low 40s across much of Victoria. The heatwave is expected to continue for the next week, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting that it could be the longest duration heatwave since 2009. Commissioner Wiebusch warned that the hot conditions would put pressure on the human body, and people should remain hydrated, stay out of the heat, and remain safe if swimming at Victoria’s beaches, lakes, and rivers.
Support and Resources
The state is receiving support from Canadian firefighters, with 74 firefighters due to arrive next week to help with the major fires. Commissioner Wiebusch said that this would be a welcome extra support to bolster the crews and allow some of the local firefighters to rest. The state government is also providing resources and support to affected communities, including food, water, and shelter. People can visit the VicEmergency website for the latest fire warnings and information on how to stay safe during the heatwave.