Smoke blankets Melbourne as bushfires burn out of control across the state
Smoke haze has filled the sky in Melbourne as multiple bushfires burn out of control across the state.
Bass Coast News
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Smoke haze has filled the sky in Melbourne as multiple bushfires burn out of control across the state.
The most significant blaze is burning in the Grampians where more than 350 firefighters are working around the clock to contain the 28,000ha fire.
Residents in Mafeking, Watgania, Bellfield and Halls Gap have been told to leave the area immediately.
Residents were first warned when an emergency alert was issued for the small community of Mirranatwa, located in the state’s west, about 4pm on Wednesday.
Authorities advised the area’s 31 residents to evacuate immediately, urging them to leave “before conditions become too dangerous.”
As of Friday evening, the fire was still burning through the region with emergency services warning that it “could burn for weeks” due to its difficult terrain and ongoing dry heat heading into the weekend.
The fire has also caused widespread smoke impacting air quality across large areas of Victoria including parts of Melbourne.
Residents have been urged to take precautions against the hazardous air.
A separate bushfire broke out on Friday afternoon on the Bass Coast near Phillip Island.
The blaze near the Gurdies Nature Conservation Reserve prompted evacuations, with residents of nearby homes advised to shelter indoors.
Emergency Warning - Bushfire - Take Shelter Now for Loch, St Helier, The Gurdies, Woodleigh.
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) December 20, 2024
More details at https://t.co/RP7QseKkhB...
You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave. pic.twitter.com/C0NrInOTiY
Emergency Warning - Bushfire - Leave Immediately for Mafeking, Watgania.
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) December 20, 2024
More details at https://t.co/RP7QseKkhB...
Leaving immediately is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay. pic.twitter.com/X58zcXD08U
The fire, which is threatening both homes and lives, is burning near Woodland Close.
As the blaze spreads eastward, the suburb of Loch has been added to the emergency warning zone.
Authorities have issued a warning that “it is too late to leave the area safely, so you must take shelter now”.
Seaside Fish and Chips in Grantville thanked emergency workers by giving them a free drink with their food.
Owner Sarah Harriss said it was a “privilege” to have the firefighters come in.
“We were lucky enough to look after them, feed them and supply them with some fluids,” she said.
“It feels nice to give thanks to those that are looking after others — so it’s our way of paying it forward.”
Residents unable to find shelter indoors are advised to seek refuge in large open areas or water sources, including dams, lakes, or pools.
Emergency services are continuing to monitor the situation closely, as these fires show no sign of slowing down.
To report a fire, call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 or contact triple-0.
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