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Victoria Bushfire: Evacuate Now or Peril
21 Feb
Summary
- Residents urged to flee out-of-control bushfire near Melbourne.
- Steep, remote terrain complicates firefighting efforts significantly.
- Police investigate suspicious origin with multiple ignition points found.
Victoria residents were urgently told to evacuate on Saturday as an out-of-control bushfire rapidly advanced through forested terrain northeast of Melbourne. The fire, which ignited near Gaffneys Creek on Thursday night, prompted the highest emergency alert for nearby settlements. Firefighters are battling the blaze in challenging, remote mountainous areas, utilizing heavy machinery and aircraft for containment. Police are investigating the fire's origins, as early reports suggest multiple ignition points, leading them to treat the incident as suspicious until proven otherwise.
The fire has consumed over 600 hectares, with approximately 35 vehicles responding to the incident. Authorities highlighted the urgency due to upcoming weather changes, with temperatures reaching up to 38C on Saturday followed by gusty winds and heavy rainfall on Sunday. These conditions could potentially fan the flames or cause flash flooding. This event follows a severe fire outbreak in January, which saw extensive damage across southeastern Australia, underscoring the ongoing threat of bushfires in the region.
