Lancefield bushfire: Residents want answers over bungled burn-off

RESIDENTS displaced by a bushfire near Lancefield will be allowed home this afternoon, as firefighters get closer to bringing the blaze under control.

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RESIDENTS displaced by a bushfire near Lancefield will be allowed home this afternoon, as firefighters get closer to bringing the blaze under control.

Anyone entering the fire zone will be required to show identification and will be given a wristband after the bushfire was downgraded shortly after midday.

Authorities told residents at a public meeting that preventing looting was a priority.

It comes after revelations that timing and management of the bungled planned burn that has claimed at least two properties in the area will be a key focus of an independent inquiry.

There is anger within the Andrews Government as to why fire crews had failed to contain the burn before the AFL Grand Final weekend, when wild and hot weather hit.

Serious questions have also been raised about the planned burn program and how it is communicated to other emergency services, after the disaster left residents homeless and communities angry.

The threat posed by the destructive bushfire eased yesterday, with emergency warnings downgraded to watch and act.

A Watch and Act message issued by Country Fire Authority last night said the bushfire continuing to burn near Benloch had reduced to 2700ha after “good work by crews”.

“The fire is currently slow moving and mild weather conditions have reduced the fire behaviour,” the message, released at 9.30pm said.

“However there are still areas of active fire and people should remain informed as the situation can change quickly.”

Mild weather conditions were predicted to continue overnight.

Arborists and emergency services crews have worked to reopen Three Chain Road and Oakley’s Lane in the fire affected area. Mooney’s Track is accessible by local traffic only.

A community meeting will be held at Lancefield Mechanics Institute on the corner of High Street and The Crescent at 2pm on Friday.

It will be followed by a residents’ meeting for locals at the Benloch Fire Station at 4.30pm.

It is understood that the Department of Environment believed it would have the burn, lit last Wednesday, under control before the weekend.

But locals say “heads should roll” over the misjudgment, with one resident from the area — about 80km north of Melbourne — describing the bungle as “criminal”.

Locals look at spot fires in bushland near their property in Benloch. Picture: AAP

The Lancefield fire rips through bushland. Picture: Jason Edwards

Angry Lancefield residents at a community meeting about the fire emergency.

A resident in the fire zone was overcome with emotion at the meeting in Lancefield.

Environment Minister Lisa Neville gave a “guarantee” that the Grand Final public holiday did not affect staff levels for patrolling the burn-off.

But, the Herald Sun still has not been given the number of people working on that day.

Last Wednesday, there were 30 people working on the fire when it was lit. There were 22 on patrol on Thursday.

Premier Daniel Andrews said compensation may be needed, as his government launched an inquiry led by bushfire risk management expert Murray Carter.

“Something’s gone wrong here, and I’m angry too,” Mr Andrews said. “If there’s compensation that needs to be paid it will be paid.”

CFA firefighters douse smouldering trees at the Lancefield fire. Picture: AAP

The probe will assess:

HOW well the department planned the fire before it was lit;

THE weather forecast and other conditions in the area;

HOW the fire was patrolled and how it broke containment lines;

COMMUNICATION to residents.

Ken Wright, whose Lancefield property borders the fire zone, demanded answers ­yesterday when addressing Macedon’s police inspector.

“Can you go arrest the moron who authorised this fire? Heads should roll,” Mr Wright said.

“Everyone in the area knew that there was going to be a wind change and that the heat was coming. Like everybody else, I’m angry.”

Duncan Brain, who returned home to see two thirds of his family farm scorched, said the “review (has) got to be meaningful”.

The state government’s Macedon district fire manager Meredith Whitehead defended the burn-off, and said it was patrolled “day and night”.

In last Tuesday’s Herald Sun, the weather forecast showed most of the state would reach temperatures above 30C during the Grand Final weekend and Monday.

Ms Whitehead said the burn went ahead because the forecast the department “had available” showed fuel moisture content and weather conditions were “in prescription” and “suitable” for the burn.

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Remnants of a burnt house on Three Chain Road, Cobaw. Pictures: Nicole Garmston