“Not Safe to Return”: Victoria’s Bushfire Crisis

The fire, which began near the town of Beaufort, north-west of Ballarat, at around 10am on Thursday, has so far razed more than 17,000 hectares.

The inferno has reportedly destroyed at least nine homes, as well livestock and farming sheds.

Up to 1,000 firefighters have been battling the blaze, with around 700 currently containing the fire on Monday morning.

“Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of fire for now, but the situation can change at any time,” a Victoria State Control Centre statement read.

“If you left the warning area, it is not safe to return.”

Wednesday worries

In a concerning sign, drier conditions are expected in Victoria this week, with high temperatures forecast for Wednesday.

“We are throwing everything we can at it to try and contain the fire,” Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief officer Jason Heffernan said.

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“Wednesday concerns me.”

Drier conditions are expected in Victoria this week, with high temperatures forecast for Wednesday

Grim warning

On Friday, residents were warned to evacuate their homes as the bushfire spread.

“We are getting early reports unfortunately of some home losses, as well as multiple sheds,” Mr Heffernan told ABC TV at the time.

The warning, which was issued just after 9am this morning, confirmed a bushfire was between Mount Cole and Raglan.

“The bushfire started at Bayindeen Rocky Road and initially travelled in a south easterly direction,” read the statement.

“A wind change caused the fire to then move in a north easterly direction and is now heading towards Avoca.”

The blaze covered 10,000 hectares overnight.

Thousands of residents from almost 30 communities near Ballarat have been warned to “leave now”.

“Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous,” the CFA said.

“Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.”

Relief centres available at the CE Brown reserve in Ballarat, Maryborough’s Princes Park, Alexander Oval in Ararat and Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree Football Club.

Community havens

There are relief centres available at the CE Brown reserve in Ballarat, Maryborough’s Princes Park, Alexander Oval in Ararat and Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree Football Club.

“It’s been a worrying night for a lot of people here,” said ABC TV Reporter Patrick Mitchell from the football club in Ballarat on Friday morning.

Help available

If you have been affected by the bushfires in Victoria there are ways to seek help.

Services Australia offers lump sump payments to help ease the financial burden, and also offers social support services. Visit here for more information.

And the National Australia Bank is also offering grants to customers affected by both the recent severe storms and bushfires across Victoria.

The Disaster Relief Grants are $1,000.

The NAB also has further relief measures including loan deferrals, reduced repayment arrangements and hardship options.

Volunteer

If you are wanting to offer your help, the CFA is always on the look out for volunteers – and not just for fighting fires.

There are many other important roles that need attention. They include helping with animal rescue, and managing fire equipment.

Visit Victoria CFA for more information.

Helping hands

Among those helping battling the blaze is the Salvation Army Emergency Services, which has worked with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Local Government Authorities since October last year.

“Over the last four months, we have responded to 48 requests for support at fire grounds, providing over 7,000 meals to first responders and we remain on standby due to continuing extreme weather,” the Salvation Army said in a statement.

And the Australian Red Cross is also on the ground in western Victoria providing support at Emergency Relief Centres and in communities.

Contribute to their year-round support for disaster relief here.

For more information on current fire warnings in Victoria visit here.