URGENT UPDATE: Residents of Central Victoria are on high alert as bushfire conditions are expected to worsen in the coming hours. An out-of-control bushfire is raging near the Goulburn Valley Highway in Trawool, prompting the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to issue immediate warnings for nearby communities.
The CFA has indicated that the fire is slowly advancing eastward towards Kerrisdale, with gusty winds projected to hit the region this evening. A CFA spokesperson emphasized the importance of vigilance: “You must monitor conditions and be ready to act. The threat is reduced, but the situation can change at any time.”
Jason Heffernan, chief officer of the CFA, reported to 9 News that the fire has already consumed approximately 100 hectares and is rapidly spreading. “In the next couple of hours, a frontal system will move through, bringing gusty winds that will further push the fire east,” Heffernan warned.
As conditions are forecasted to peak between 6 PM and 8 PM today, authorities anticipate more emergency warnings. Winds could reach speeds of 55 to 60 km/hr, significantly heightening the risk of fire spread. “There is property already in the path of this fire,” Heffernan added, urging residents to prepare for potential evacuations.
A Watch and Act warning is currently in effect for residents in Kerrisdale, Reedy Creek, Strath Creek, and Tallarook. The warning advises residents to closely monitor changes in conditions, as increased wind speeds, shifts in wind direction, smoke, or poor visibility may indicate a rapidly evolving situation. “Enact your fire survival plan. Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe,” the warning stated.
Firefighters are actively battling the blaze, but several roads in the area have been closed to ensure public safety. The CFA urges residents to stay informed and prepared as this urgent situation continues to develop.
Stay tuned for more updates as authorities monitor the situation closely.
