Two evacuation messages are active as strong winds fan out-of-control bushfires in Victoria’s east, threatening lives and properties.
An emergency warning telling residents to evacuate immediately has been issued for an out-of-control blaze near Biragolong, west of Bairnsdale on the southern edge of Victoria’s alpine region.
Those in Briagolong, Culloden, Moornapa, Cobbannah and surrounds have been told to leave before 6pm after a wind change began to push the fire north-east.
“Evacuation after this time is considered life-threatening,” the alert says.
Holidaymakers and locals in the Gippsland Lakes hamlet of Loch Sport, about 20 kilometres south of Bairnsdale, were told earlier on Sunday afternoon they had to take shelter immediately as it was too late to leave as a grass fire approached.
“You are in danger, act now to protect yourself,” said the VicEmergency alert issued just before 2pm. However, the warning was downgraded to a watch and act message just before 4pm.
Residents were still told to leave now as the blaze was out of control as a strong southwesterly wind change push it east, towards Loch Sport.
The small town is home to about 1000 people but swells with campers on warmer days due to its idyllic location wedged between Ninety Mile Beach and Lake Victoria.
A separate fire from an unattended campfire had sparked an emergency warning for the Forge Creek area on the other side of Lake Victoria, north of Loch Sport. But that was downgraded to an advice message after the threat was reduced around 3.30pm.
Finally, a “watch and act, prepare to evacuate” message is also in place for the towns of Erica, Walhalla and Rawson, 125 kilometres east of Melbourne near Mount Baw Baw.
A helicopter douses an out-of-control fire near Rawson with water on Sunday.Credit: Nine News
“If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you,” the alert says.
A firefighting helicopter was captured dousing the fire front with water on Sunday afternoon.
A grass fire also flared up in Melbourne’s west on Sunday afternoon. However, the small blaze in Werribee South was brought under control and only a low-level advice message remains in place.
Unseasonable spring heat continues to build up across Australia’s eastern seaboard ahead of a cool change arriving later this week.
A bushfire burns in Victoria’s High Country near Rawson.Credit: Nine News
The AFL grand final was played in 29-degree heat in Melbourne on Saturday, one of the hottest grand finals on record.
Wind gusts of above 100km/h were recorded in parts of west and south Gippsland on Sunday as the mercury dipped below 20 degrees following the prolonged hot streak.
With AAP
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