Out-of-control fires get closer to homes near Hepburn, Grantville, eastern Victoria
An out-of-control bushfire is threatening “homes and lives” in an estate near Grantville while several other fires threaten homes near Hepburn.
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An evening wind change concerns firefighters working to contain the out-of-control blaze looming in the hills above Hepburn, where fires burn about 500 metres from homes.
The Manning Rd fire was sparked by lightning on January 30 but hot and windy conditions caused it to flare up overnight, leading to an emergency warning being issued this morning.
Residents of Hepburn and Hepburn Springs are advised to get out now before it is too late.
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People living in nearby settlements including Bryces Flat, Daylesford, Dry Diggings, Elevated Plains, Kidds Gully and Shepherds Flat have been told to closely monitor the situation.
The Hepburn Springs fire has burnt more than 45 hectares so far and is being battled by over 80 firefighters.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria Tony English says it has been a tough fight for crews on the scene.
“This is a difficult firefight,” he said.
“It’s difficult terrain, it’s up against a settlement, lots of deep gullies and heavy fuels.
“A combination of aerial attack and ground resources has been used to prevent the fire hitting the settlement,” Mr English said.
“We are working to consolidate the edge ahead of the wind change.
“A 6pm wind change remains the biggest concern for emergency services who say it could shift the fire director and speed.”
Carlton legend Robert Walls is among the affected, telling of the sleepless night he endured as emergency crews battled to contain a fire that started on his sprawling property north of Hepburn Springs.
A lightning strike has been blamed for the blaze which spread from his 16 hectare property at Elevated Plain into a dense gully that proved inaccessible for fire fighters on the ground.
At least eight aircraft were dumping water on the fire as hot northerly winds threatened to push the blaze closer to homes near the popular tourist destination.
“It’s bloody hot and it’s burned all night,” Walls said.
“They had fire bombers in and they’ve done a good job.”
He said around 42 CFA units had responded as the blaze swept across his property.
“Half of it’s gone but the house is okay,” Walls said.
“We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
At least 70 Hepburn and Hepburn Springs residents have fled their homes since this morning and registered with a relief centre set up in Daylesford.
Iain and Jean Bellamy left their rural Hepburn block just after 8am with 15-year-old dog Bella.
“All night we could see the flames,” Mr Bellamy told the Herald Sun.
“Years ago I would have stayed to defend but since Black Saturday my attitude has changed.
“The water bombers were out all night.”
Beloved family pup Bella, 15, and her owners Jean and Iain Bellamy are waiting at the relief centre in Daylesford. They left their Hepburn property about 8am this morning. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/N2k9Gtisjd
— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) February 3, 2019
Ms Bellamy said she felt well looked after by the services camped at the Victoria Park centre where they have been camped all day after a sleepless night.
“I really didn’t get much sleep last night,” she said.
“They (emergency services) have been giving us updates and entertaining the kids.
“I really can’t complain.”
Hepburn Shire Council chief executive Evan King said there had been a steady stream of people stopping by throughout the day, many with dogs.
“If you need to leave, come to Victoria Park in Daylesford,” he said.
“We’ve got food, we’ve got water, the Red Cross is here.
“We can determine at that point when people get here what people need.
“It’s fantastic that people have heard the message and have come here.”
It comes as the state swelters through another hot day where temperatures topped 37C in parts of Victoria. A total fire ban was called yesterday for the entire state to prevent worsening the already volatile conditions.
More than 230 firefighters completed containment lines and put out black spots at Grantville on Saturday night.
Emergency Management Victoria continues to people to remain alert and monitor their local area through the EMV app, website or radio, amid concerns that fires could jump containment lines.
An EMV spokeswoman said a night fire bombing trial, in its first operational year, was also successful on Saturday night.
The Bass Highway reopened on Sunday with a reduced speed limit after fire activity on Saturday.
A fire threatening Melbourne’s water supply at Thomson dam had low activity on Saturday night, with 20 firefighters consolidating containment lines and monitoring hot spots.
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