Bushfires Ravage Western Victoria: Lives and Homes at Risk
Bushfires are wreaking havoc in western Victoria, with two major fires threatening lives, homes, and beloved natural landmarks. The fires, sparked by dangerous lightning strikes during extreme fire conditions, have already burned through over 65,000 hectares and show no signs of slowing down. Communities near the Little Desert National Park and Grampians National Park are on high alert, with urgent evacuation orders issued for residents in multiple towns.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” reads a VicEmergency alert. The safest option is to take shelter indoors as it may be too late to leave. Nearby residents in Dimboola and Wail have been instructed to close all doors, windows, and vents. “Shelter in a room with two exits, like a door or window, to see outside.”
A Watch and Act warning covers several areas: Cooack, Duchembegarra, Gerang Gerung, Goroke, Grass Flat, Kiata, Kinimakatka, Lawloit, Little Desert, Nurcoung, Peronne, Pimpinio, Winiam, and Winiam East. Luke Heagerty from the State Control Centre noted that the fire had grown to over 50,000 hectares as of Monday.
“What’s remarkable is the fire’s intensity; it’s creating its own weather system,” Heagerty said. “The extreme heat will likely cause harm before flames arrive. This fire still has the potential to behave erratically due to its intensity, even with a cool change.”
Residents are advised to:
- Travel to family or friends’ homes away from the warned areas.
- Take essential items like pets, medications, and mobile phones when leaving.
- In the car: Make a U-turn and head to safety, keeping headlights on to navigate through smoke.
If you can’t leave, shelter indoors:
- Close all exterior doors, windows, and vents, and turn off cooling systems.
- Shelter before the fire arrives, as extreme heat is likely to be deadly before flames reach you.
- If indoors isn’t an option, seek refuge in large open areas like ploughed paddocks or large water bodies like dams, lakes, or rivers.
When caught in a fire while driving:
- Park behind solid structures or in clear areas to block heat.
- Keep hazard lights and headlights on.
- Turn off air-conditioning and air vents, with windows closed.
- Get low below window level and cover yourself with a pure wool blanket.
Picture: Limestone Cost Community News / Facebook.
What Lies Ahead
Fire authorities are racing against time, with temperatures expected to soar into the 40s later in the week. “We have limited time to control these fires before severe fire weather returns,” said Luke Heagerty from the State Control Centre. Both the Little Desert and Grampians National Parks are likely to remain closed as a precaution.
For now, the Western Highway remains closed between Horsham and Dimboola, and between Dimboola and Nhill. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated via VicEmergency and prioritize their safety.
The fire danger rating remains extreme across much of the state, and total fire bans were enacted for Wimmera, Mallee, South West, Central, and North Central regions. CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan cautioned that the conditions have made firefighting tremendously challenging. However, a late cool change is expected to reduce the temperature significantly by today.
To prevent bushfires:
- Clear dry vegetation and create firebreaks.
- Maintain a defensible space around properties.
- Install ember-proof shutters and use non-flammable building materials.
- Properly dispose of yard waste and avoid open fires.
- Follow local fire regulations and stay informed.
- Support controlled burns and reforestation efforts to reduce fuel loads.
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