Out of control bushfire burning in western Victoria

Emergency services have closed the Western Highway in both directions between Ararat and Beaufort after a bushfire burnt 12,000ha today. [FREE TO READ]

A large fire burning in western Victoria has left forested areas and moved into grassland, forcing the closure of the Western Highway in both directions between Ararat and Beaufort.

Communities subject to a “leave immediately” warning increased significantly and includes Ballyrogan, Bayindeen, Beaufort, Buangor, Buangor East, Challicum, Cross Roads, Eurambeen, Lake Goldsmith, Langi Kal Kal, Main Lead, Middle Creek, Mount Cole, Nerring, Raglan, Shirley, Stockyard Hill, Trawalla, Waterloo, Yalla-y-poora.

The map shows the approximate timing of the cool change as a cold front moves through #Vic today.

The front will bring gusty winds, possible showers, thunder and dry lightning.

Temperatures may drop by up to 15°C, particularly near the coast.

Latest: https://t.co/zZPiJm7Y6Vpic.twitter.com/ygHAGena4S

— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) February 22, 2024

The bushfire at Bayindeen-Rocky Road, which is not yet under control, had burnt about 12,000ha as at 4pm.

State Control Centre spokesman Luke Hegarty said the fire started in forest areas and had now spread to grassland.

“A number of spotfires have started to take hold,” he said.

“Embers, burning leaves, are blowing into the Beaufort area.

“The emergency warning area has expanded significantly in the last hour or so.

“The focus of our crews has been on the protection of property and slowing the spread of the fire when it has reached grassland areas.”

The large fire burning near Beaufort from Clarkes Hill. Picture: Paringa Livestock

Water-bombing aircraft and ground crews are trying to halt the spread of the fire.

“There could be some properties with fire near them at the moment,” Mr Hegarty said.

“We haven’t had any reports of property loss.”

Another looming challenge for firefighters is the arrival of the cool change around 6pm.

Residents are being urged to leave and head towards Ballarat with a relief centre located at the Lake Wendouree football ground in Ballarat and Alexander Oval, Ararat.

I've just received an update from the Emergency Management Commissioner on the fire situation across the state.

A Leave Immediately warning has been issued for communities around Warrak - currently Bayindeen, Buangor, Middle Creek, and Mount Cole.

— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) February 22, 2024

The fire is travelling from Bayindeen-Rocky Road in a south-easterly direction towards Anderson Road, Coxs Road, Ferntree Gully Road.

It follows emergency and watch-and-act warnings issued in recent hours.

The area is under a total fire ban today with temperatures climbing into the high 30s accompanied by strong northerly winds.

The relief centre established at Beaufort earlier in the day has been closed.

Water bombers attacking an out of control bushfire near Warrak in western Victoria.
Emergency warning for Bayindeen, Buangor, Middle Creek and Mount Cole @7NewsMelbournepic.twitter.com/pseSxfpy2o

— CameronBaud7 (@CameronBaud7) February 22, 2024

It follows two fires in the Grampians last week including a blaze that destroyed more than 40 properties at Pomonal.