In Victoria, a state of emergency was declared on Thursday afternoon as a fire blazed near the town of Beaufort, situated west of Ballarat. Urgent warnings have been issued for residents in Beaufort and neighboring areas, including Bayindeen, Buangor, Glenlogie, Middle Creek, and Mount Cole, advising them to evacuate immediately.
During a press briefing, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan stressed the importance of heeding evacuation orders, stating, “Leaving immediately is the safest option…please act now to save your own life.”
The fire, which ignited around 10 a.m., quickly spread in the dry and hot conditions prevalent in the region. By Thursday afternoon, over 100 firefighting vehicles and approximately 1,000 firefighters were deployed, supported by 24 aircraft.
According to Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan, strong south-westerly winds expected between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. would escalate the situation, with conditions anticipated to worsen until midnight. This wind shift will likely push one side of the fire into the main fire front, placing more communities at risk.
Residents in Lexton and surrounding areas are advised to stay informed as the situation may necessitate action later in the day. Two relief centers have been set up at Wendouree and Ararat to assist evacuees.
The fire has led to road closures and the suspension of the Ballarat train line, causing disruptions to transportation services. Additionally, dry lightning associated with forecasted storms poses a risk of igniting further fires, as emphasized by State Control Centre spokesperson Luke Hegarty.
Meanwhile, in Tasmania, an emergency warning has been issued for the community of Dee in the Central Highlands region, with authorities cautioning residents of potential life-threatening situations and property damage. Southern regional fire chief Phil Smith highlighted the challenges posed by the fire’s location in a gully, complicating containment efforts despite all available resources being deployed.
While firefighting efforts continue in both Victoria and Tasmania, other fires across the states remain at advisory levels or below.
