Victorian fire threat escalates as nightmare conditions return
Premier Daniel Andrews has praised the efforts of the state’s firefighters, but warned Victorians that the current crisis will continue for the foreseeable future.
VIC News
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Premier Daniel Andrews said the most challenging time for firefighters will be throughout Friday evening as the south-westerly change sweeps through the Alpine and northeast of the state.
The fires will continue for weeks to come, he said.
“There’s a long way to go. This is an unprecedented event.’’
There are still 21 fires burning, and 1.3 million hectares burnt.
Three evacuate now and seven emergency warnings are now in place.
A total of 3157 property assessments have been made and 286 homes and 400 other buildings have been damaged.
The change will have moved through by morning but residents needed to be aware of the instructions and information for their area.
Three areas of most concern were around Mt Buffalo, Cann River, as well as Bruthen and Buchan, Mr Andrews said.
“It’s been a superb day of fire-fighting effort today,’’ Mr Andrews said.
No one is unaccounted for and the Victorian death toll remains at three.
Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said much work had been done on the ground today to make people aware of the dangers, options and support.
Towns of Bright and Harrietville could be isolated after today and provisions have been stored in containers for after the fire.
Ms Neville said she was aware of the fatigue many CFA, ambulance, police, volunteers, SES staff were experiencing.
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said there were concerns for communities around Whitfield, Wandiligong and Harrietville.
An emergency warning was also in place in Bright.
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Ms Neville said the fire danger still existed despite cooler weather and rain in the south of the state.
Mr Crisp said no new fires have started today and no dry lightning had been detected.
A fire column had been spotted near Cann River.
“We are keeping a close eye on Bright.’’
Mr Andrews said 240,000 SMS were sent in the past 24 hours to people in the fire zone.
The premier thanked residents and tourists who had left the area because it freed up resources to concentrate on the firefight.
Mr Andrews said this evening’s climate protest in the CBD would lose support and was “not the appropriate thing to do’’.
“The last thing anyone should be doing is diverting resources from critical needs,’’ Mr Andrews said.