Residents in communities near an out-of-control bushfire in Victoria’s west are still being told it is unsafe to return home, while authorities have concerns for the week ahead, with hot weather conditions predicted.
Firefighters have managed to slow the spread of the large and dangerous bushfire burning out of control near Ballarat this morning, but have said it is still unsafe for residents to return.
The Bayindeen bushfire near Ballarat has currently burned 15,000 hectares and is rapidly making its way towards 16,000, Premier Jacinta Allan said.
Temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-40s in the middle of next week, with firefighters bracing for extreme or even catastrophic fire conditions.
Wednesday is predicted to potentially be the worst bushfire day Victoria has seen since 2020.
Premier Jacinta Allan has urged residents to have their bushfire plans in place heading into next week.
“Make sure every family member knows the plan and that you enact the place as you are urged to do so,” she said.
Up to 1000 firefighters have been on the ground trying to tackle the blaze between Raglan and Mount Cole.
The fire was previously at an emergency level and was this morning downgraded to a watch and act alert, but authorities still warned it was unsafe to return.
“Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time,” a message from the Victoria State Control Centre read.
“If you left the warning area, it is not safe to return.”
No more homes have been confirmed lost, leaving the count at three, along with a number of outbuildings. There have been no reports of injuries to people either.
About 700 people are on the front lines in the firefighting effort.
Chief Fire Officer of Forest Fire Management Chris Hardman said hundreds of firefighters would be working hard today to try and stop the spread of the flames.
“What people really do need to know this is a big fire,” he told Weekend Today.
“More than 500 firefighters will be on these fires today, working really hard to contain those fires and stop the spread.
“And we are very hopeful with more benign weather conditions today, that we will see some significant improvement.
“There are still many structures to be assessed that have been looked at from aerial intelligence gathering.”
Meanwhile, authorities have warned Victorians to be ready for extreme fire danger next Wednesday and Thursday.
“Wednesday concerns me,” Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said this afternoon.
Temperatures in the mid-40 degree range are forecast for mid-west Victoria, with the possibility of a 40 degree average across the state, along with strong, hot winds, and dry lightning.
Heffernan urged Victorians living in bush and regional areas to prepare their fire safety plan.
The dangerous conditions hitting Australia’s south-east have also sparked warnings in Tasmania.
An Advice alert has been issued for Rocherlea, Mayfield, Mowbray and the surrounding areas.
People have been urged to avoid the area and stay informed of conditions, though as yet there is no immediate threat.
But there will be increased fire activity and smoke due to ongoing backburning, authorities warned.
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