Western Victoria: Stock losses in Bayindeen-Rocky Road fire expected to grow
Early assessments on stock losses in the fire near Beaufort have been complete as western Victorian towns stay on alert.
Initial stock losses in the bushfire burning near Beaufort for nearly a week have been confirmed by Agriculture Victoria.
There have been 80 sheep and two beef cows killed in the Bayindeen-Rocky Road fire.
“Agriculture Victoria is on the ground working with impacted communities to assess the agricultural impacts of the Bayindeen-Rocky Road fire,” an Agriculture Victoria spokeswoman said.
“Our immediate focus is urgent animal welfare needs from fires and to support our farmers.
“If your property has been impacted by fire and you have urgent animal welfare needs, please contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.”
In the fire in the Grampians earlier this month, Agriculture Victoria confirmed 140 sheep died in the Mt Stapylton blaze.
Meanwhile, high cloud has kept temperatures in western Victoria lower than expected on Wednesday morning.
At 12.30pm the temperatures at Beaufort, Ararat, Stawell, and Avoca were all below 30 degrees.
TOWNS UNDER THREAT
Six towns in western Victoria could be in the line of fire with catastrophic conditions in the nearby Wimmera district declared for Wednesday.
Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said the combination of temperatures in the high 30s and winds gusting between 60-80km/h before and after a late change would lead to the bushfire that began last week growing in size beyond the 21,000ha burnt already.
Towns most at risk are Beaufort, Elmhurst, Ampitheatre, Lexton, Learmonth and Clunes.
“Fire and spotfires and ember attack are quite possible in these areas,” Commissioner Nugent said.
“These could result in the loss of homes, closure of roads and isolating communities.”
Those living in these areas were urged to leave on Tuesday night or first thing Wednesday at the latest.
Sheep farmer Daniel Howell lives at Mt Lonarch near Lexton and said the time since the fire started last week had been put to good use.
“It’s been good to have a few days to prepare for what’s coming,” he said.
“I think everyone is going to be pretty well prepared.
“We’re pretty close to it here and are just going to have to wait and see.”
Meanwhile, Raglan farmer Damian Ferrari is still counting the cost after the bushfire tore through his 121ha property last week.
He stayed to defend his home as a huge “fireball” engulfed his sheds, farm machinery, motorbikes and about 20 head of sheep, he told the Herald Sun.
“I’ve lost the whole lot, there’s not a fence or a blade of grass that’s not burnt,” he said.
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