Residents in north-east Victoria warned to ‘take shelter now’ as out-of-control bushfires continue to rage
Residents in north-east Victoria have been warned to “take shelter now” as wild bushfires rage near the New South Wales border.
The latest emergency warning – for people in Berringama, Bullioh, Koetong, Lucyvale, Shelley, Tallangatta Valley and surrounds – has revealed a bushfire 25km west of Walwa is “out of control”.
“As it is too late to leave the area safely, you must stay close to shelter and monitor conditions throughout the night,” said the latest warning from VicEmergency.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“If you are in danger, you need to act immediately to survive.
“The safest option is to stay close to shelter.”
Forest Fire Management Victoria are pleading with residents to take shelter before the fire arrives.
“The extreme heat is likely to kill you well before the flames reach you,” said the alert issued at 11am on Monday.
“Shelter in a room that has two exits, such as a door or window including one directly to the outside.
“It is important to be able to see outside so you know what is happening with the fire.”
At least one person has died and hundreds of homes and structures have been destroyed as out-of-control bushfires continue to rip through Victoria.
A person was confirmed dead after human remains were located about 100m from a car on Yarck Rd at Gobur on Sunday afternoon.
Police are yet to formally identify the person and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Speaking to ABC Radio on Monday, premier Jacinta Allan said the person’s death was a “tragedy”.
“My thoughts are with the person’s family, their community and also everyone – this loss reverberates across all of the fire grounds across Victoria,” she said.
“We’d gone through a number of days when we hadn’t seen a loss of life so this does hit hard.
“It is another really tragic reminder of just how dangerous and deadly these fire are.”
The bushfire in Longwood, which claimed the person’s life, has been downgraded to a watch and act warning.
Emergency authorities have declared a State of Disaster, for the first time since 2020, to give firefighters and emergency crews expanded powers to protect lives.
At least 390,000 hectares have so far been burned with fires continuing to rage across the state.
Emergency Warnings are in place for dozens of communities and in some areas authorities have warned it is “too late to leave.”
Thousands of firefighters from Victoria and interstate, including crews from the Northern Territory, are battling the blazes around the clock, but strong winds and parched conditions continue to drive the fire.
Since late last week the inferno has consumed forests, farms and homes, forcing thousands to flee as smoke chokes the sky.
Roads are blocked, electricity networks disrupted and air quality in nearby towns remains hazardous.
Despite a cold front rupturing the heatwave across the majority of the state, the Bureau of Meteorology warned the bushfires were still an extreme risk as strong easterly winds fuel further flames.
“(On Monday and Tuesday), we’re going to see much lighter winds … so hopefully that allows firefighters to try and get an upper hand on some of those fires,” senior meteorologist Dean Narramore told NewsWire.
“But they’re still going to burn – especially those large fires the Longwood and the Alpine fire – they’re so large they’re going to burn for weeks anyway, or until we see widespread heavy rainfall.”
Later this week, easterly winds will bring more humidity, cloud cover and moisture to the state.
However, Mr Narramore said it wouldn’t offer much relief for the fire-affected areas.
“We could see some rain through Gippsland ... later this week and maybe through the Melbourne area, but unfortunately, most of the fires are … north of the ranges and they are not going to see much rainfall,” he said.
A dry six-month period has helped fuel the fires across the state’s north and west.
“Combined with the hotter weather as well – particularly through inland areas – has allowed a lot of areas to dry out,” Mr Narramore said.
“The really intense extreme conditions we saw last week and the thunderstorms, the very hot air started a lot fires around the state because the vegetation is quite dry now.”
A total fire ban has been put in place for the north east and north central regions of the state.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said light winds could make the flames burn longer and urged residents to follow the rules to avoid further catastrophe.
“Despite conditions easing we still need to mitigate all the risk we can so our focus can stay on the fires we already have in these districts,” he said.
“I appreciate that a (total fire ban) can have an impact on communities and business but be assured these restrictions are reviewed daily.
“This ensures we get the right balance between mitigation against new fires in the landscape and the needs of communities.”
The federal and state governments have pledged millions in relief funding to help displaced families and support recovery, while evacuation centres remain open for those forced from their homes.
Residents are urged to follow VicEmergency alerts via app, website or local broadcasts for real-time updates.
Communities remain on edge and the race to contain the flames — and save lives — is far from over.
- With AAP, Newswire
Stay informed:
VicEmergency Hotline - freecall 1800 226 226.
