Firefighters are tirelessly working to control several raging bushfires across Victoria, leaving many towns in a state of anxiety and uncertainty.
As the weekend began, communities that have been hit hard gathered at emergency response centers, reflecting on the devastation caused by the fires that previously razed homes and affected areas such as Harcourt in central Victoria and Natimuk located in the western part of the state.
Currently, there are three major fires classified as emergency-level across Victoria: the Longwood fire in central Victoria, the Carlisle River fire in the Otways region, and the Walwa fire situated in the northeastern part of the state. On Saturday evening, officials expressed heightened concern regarding the Longwood fire and those in the Otways due to their unpredictable nature.
The Longwood fire has already consumed approximately 144,000 hectares, with its northeastern edge encroaching towards Euroa by Saturday night. Meanwhile, the intense Carlisle River fire in the Otways has been moving northeast toward the town of Colac and posed a threat to Gellibrand on Saturday afternoon, with challenging wind conditions complicating firefighting efforts. By Saturday evening, this fire had burned around 1,700 hectares.
Reegan Key, a spokesperson for the State Control Centre, urged residents in the vicinity to stay informed about the evolving situation. "These fires are progressing through the forests in that area, so we strongly advise people to keep updated if they are in or near the Great Ocean Road region," she emphasized. Authorities warned that numerous homes in the surrounding communities are at risk from the flames.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in the afternoon that the Australian Defence Force would lend support to the emergency operations. Earlier, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen declared a state of disaster after more than 60 fires erupted across the state on Friday.
As of Saturday morning, officials estimated that at least 130 structures had been lost to the bushfires throughout Victoria, although this number is expected to increase as aerial assessments continue. In light of the ongoing danger, a total fire ban has been instituted for all of Victoria for a third consecutive day on Sunday.
In Natimuk, a town in the west of the state, residents faced the harsh reality of destruction as they began to sift through what remained after a fire swept through on Friday. Approximately 20 structures are believed to have been destroyed in this community, which is located about 30 kilometers west of the regional center of Horsham. During a community meeting held in Horsham on Saturday, local authorities described the conditions during the fire as "atrocious," making evacuation nearly impossible.
Horsham's Mayor, Brian Klowss, conveyed the emotional toll on the community, stating, "Reality is hitting home. There have been quite a few tears shed here in Natimuk during this meeting." He added, "I held my own session earlier today, and emotions are running extremely high."
Residents situated on the southeastern edge of the Longwood fire in towns such as Yea, Alexandra, and Buxton remained vigilant throughout Saturday, with many choosing to evacuate their homes. Volunteer firefighter Shona Guest remarked on Saturday afternoon as she prepared to rejoin her brigade, "In a perfect scenario, the winds remain calm and the fire maintains its current trajectory, allowing us to continue our containment efforts. The worst-case scenario, however, is if the winds shift and push the fire into untouched areas, forcing us to start our battle anew."
The Ravenswood fire resulted in significant damage in Harcourt, affecting multiple homes, and residents still await clearance to return home as safety checks are conducted in the area. In northeastern Victoria, evacuation warnings related to the Walwa fire extend over a vast area to the south and southeast of the active blaze, which has already scorched 94,000 hectares. A shift in the wind on Saturday afternoon drove the fire closer to Tallangatta Valley.
For continuous updates and current fire warnings in Victoria, please visit the VicEmergency website.
