Fresh evacuations ordered in western Victoria as fires continue to burn out of control

November 17, 2024 journo

Fresh evacuations were ordered in western Victoria on Sunday evening, as hundreds of firefighters battle two out of control fires.

A “leave now” alert is in place for those in Yuulong, replacing an earlier evacuation alert for residents in Chapple Vale, Crowes, Lavers Hill and Wangerrip.

Firefighters have been able to slow the spread of the bushfire at Lavers Hill-Cobden Rd, Chapple Vale but it’s still not yet under control.

Residents in parts of regional Victoria have been told to evacuate as firefighters work to douse out-of-control blazes. (Nine)

Forest Fire Management Victoria warn the situation can change at any time.

And in a fresh advice, issued about 9.50pm, residents in Chetwynd and Kadnook have been told it’s still “not safe to return”.

“The bushfire at Casterton-Edenhope Rd, Kadnook in the blue gum plantation north of the Glenelg River remains not yet under control,” the notice said.

“The southern section of the fire south of the Glenelg River is in the Ganoo Ganoo Bush Reserve west of the Chetwynd River.

“Emergency services remain in the area.”

Earlier, authorities confirmed the bushfire had already claimed at least one home in Kadnook, along with livestock and agricultural losses.

Another two homes are understood to have sustained significant damage with safety assessments under way.

Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said yesterday’s extreme heat and humid conditions led to at least 80 fires, with two – in Chapple Vale and Kadnook – yet to be brought under control.

“In Chapple Vale, over 700 hectares has been burnt, in Kadnook, 1250 hectares has been burnt,” he said at a press conference this afternoon.

Bushfires burn in Chetwynd, Connewirricoo, Kadnook — Residents in the region were urged to leave their homes or risk becoming trapped. (Nine)

Two relief centres that were opened yesterday have now closed but a community fire refuge remains active.

Meanwhile, severe storms in the north-east of the state overnight resulted in more than 200 calls for help to the SES.

In Shepparton, over 70 calls were made in relation to fallen trees, downed power lines and damage to homes.

Nugent said hail and lightning from the weather system will pose challenging conditions for firefighters today.

Keris Arndt from the Bureau of Meteorology said conditions may hinder attempts to bring the fires under control today but said they were likely to settle into the week. (9News)

“Can I thank the community for actively listening to the messages that are put out around the risks of fire in their particular location,” he said.

“We know that they’ve been listening to these messages, and we know they’ve been acting on the advice given.”

Keris Arndt from the Bureau of Meteorology said conditions may hinder attempts to bring the fires under control today but said they were likely to settle into the week.

“Through western Victoria the wind is going to remain quite fresh through the day and into the evening, before it does start to ease off but this will pose challenging conditions at these fire sites,” he said.

“It’s definitely concerning that we have seen lightning through parts of the state where we have seen fire conditions already, and those elevated westerly winds this afternoon will pose an impact.”

As a cool change pushed through today, gale force gusts were recorded in pats of the state, with places like St Kilda seeing wind gusts of 93km/hr and 91km/hr at Port Philip Bay.