Dozens evacuated as fireys contain Buninyong bushfire
Firefighters have managed to contain a bushfire near Ballarat that forced the evacuation of dozens of residents, who have been warned to stay alert as temperatures — and the risk of more fires — soar again on Friday.
VIC News
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Firefighters have managed to contain a bushfire near Ballarat but residents are warned to be alert as temperatures soar again on Friday.
The CFA was first alerted to the blaze at 2.35pm, with the fast-moving fire prompting warnings that it was too late for residents in Buningyong and Scotsburn to leave.
Dozens of people were evacuated as the 40ha blaze forced fire crews to deploy a large air tanker for the first time in Victoria this fire season, dropping up to 15,000 litres of water at a time.
BREAKING: OUT OF CONTROL FIRE AT LITTLE RIVER SPARKS EVACUATIONS
FIRE BANS DECLARED AS VICTORIA SWELTERS
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Flames as high as 20m and winds of up to 25 kmh hampered CFA crews from controlling the blaze.
Crews brought parts of the bushfire under control, with strict fire warnings downgraded before 7pm after firefighters managed to slow the spread of the blaze.
The bushfire was reported to be contained just before 9.30pm.
A relief centre was set up for evacuees at Buninyong Leisure Centre in Cornish St near Buninyong Recreation Reserve.
A relief centre is now open at Buninyong Leisure Centre for those affected by today bushfire. pic.twitter.com/wOvoRqRthU
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) December 6, 2018
OUT-OF-CONTROL BUSHFIRE GAVE FIREFIGHTERS ‘GRIEF’
The bushfire at Scott’s Lane and Nash’s Road in Scotsburn travelled south through grassland, with incident controller Gavin Hope telling ABC radio it was “giving us some grief” in forest areas.
The CFA had four aircraft battling the blaze and more than 20 trucks fighting the fire on the ground.
At least 50 firefighters were involved, with bulldozers used to make firebreaks.
A watch and act warning also applied in Durham Lead, Grenville and Scotsburn, where the fire was earlier spotted 2km in front of the main front.
Residents in that area were urged that leaving straight away was the safest option.
Emergency Warning issued for Brennans Rd and Pryors Rd, Platts Rd, Buninyong. The fire is about 30 to 40 hectares in bush and grassland. 22 trucks responding and four aircraft. Monitor @vicemergency https://t.co/a55DYqusaF #7News pic.twitter.com/a8ffFsx3GI
— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) December 6, 2018
BUNINYONG: An out of control bushfire is threatening homes in Buninyong near Ballarat. It is in the vicinity of Devonshire Rd and Nashs Rd Buninyong & is out of control. This fire is threatening homes and lives. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/hY6HLqBh9n
— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) December 6, 2018
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The mercury in Ballarat hit 33.9C just before 5pm, with wind gusts of up to 50kmh measured in the region on Thursday afternoon.
A woman at Hillview Lodge Buninyong, north of the blaze, told AAP a thick cloud of smoke was visible.
“We can see these huge plumes of smoke go from white to grey to black,” she said.
The bushfire at Buninyong has now crossed Scots Lane. CFA says leaving now could be deadly. Shelter indoors @ABCemergency pic.twitter.com/i7lEwBD6DE
— Bridget Rollason (@bridgerollo) December 6, 2018
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should move indoors:
— Bring your pets inside.
— Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and trousers, made from cotton or wool. Wear leather boots.
— Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and turn off cooling systems.
— Shelter in a room that has two exits such as a kitchen or laundry.
— You must shelter before the fire arrives. The extreme heat will kill you well before the flames reach you.
— If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.
— If you cannot get indoors, last resort options include:
— Shelter in the middle of a large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve.
— Get into a large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool.
— Try to protect yourself from the fire’s heat.
If you are travelling:
— If you are travelling, do not enter the warning area. U-turn to safety.
— If you are currently driving slow down and turn on your headlights. Smoke will make it difficult to see.
If you are caught in fire in your car:
— Park behind a solid structure to block the fire’s heat or pull over to cleared area.
— Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
— Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.
— Close all windows.
— Turn off the air-conditioning and shut all the air vents.
— Turn your car engine off.
— Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a woollen blanket.
Impacts in your area:
— Bushfires can generate extreme heat. Heat will kill you before the fire reaches you.
— Information provided by Country Fire Authority.
CFA’s plea to public to be on high alert
Emergency services are pleading with people to take their safety into their own hands this bushfire season as a blaze continues to burn in Gippsland.
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