Creswick, Australia - A bushfire emergency situation near Creswick has seen significant developments as of December 16, 2024. Initially labeled as life-threatening, the emergency alert has since been downgraded to advice, yet residents to the north-east of the blaze are still urged to evacuate.
At 9:13 PM, Forest Fire Management Victoria issued an updated Watch and Act message for communities including Dean, Newlyn, Newlyn North, and Springmount. The organization cautioned, "There is a bushfire at Melbourne Rd, Creswick, which is not yet under control. It is traveling from Melbourne Road, Creswick, in a north-easterly direction toward Sawmill Road, Springmount. Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay." This warning came as the fire continued to spread and threaten local properties.
Earlier, at 6:45 PM, the emergency warning for Wattle Flat and Clarkes Hill, which are located southeast of the fire, was partly downgraded. The message stated, "The Threat is Reduced following the bushfire at Melbourne Rd, Creswick." Residents were advised to check the status of roads before returning home, as they were able to resume normal activities.
Multiple road closures have been enforced to keep residents safe and to facilitate firefighting efforts. Roads affected include Creswick-Dean Road, Melbourne Road, and several others leading toward the fire-impacted area, which attempt to restrict access and manage traffic flow.
A relief center has been established at the Doug Lindsay Reserve on Lindsay Park Drive to assist affected residents. This center provides shelter and information, as conditions fluctuated due to extreme temperatures and winds reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour.
The initial reports of the fire came shortly before 5 PM, as temperatures soared to 38 degrees Celsius, creating dangerously dry and windy conditions conducive to rapid fire spread. Eyewitness accounts confirm how quickly what began as a small grassfire escalated. One local reported, "Initially, it seemed minor, but conditions made the fire flare up very quickly and spread throughout the bushland."
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded data at Ballarat airport around 7:30 PM, noting the temperature had begun to cool to 24 degrees as the expected cool change finally arrived. While the conditions improved, the importance of caution remains evident, and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
With over 50 firefighting appliances deployed, including four helicopters and three planes, emergency services are working tirelessly to contain the fire. By at least 7:40 PM, preliminary figures indicated the fire had already consumed approximately 84 hectares of land, underscoring the scale of the response necessary to keep the community safe.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant as firefighting efforts continue. The Forest Fire Management Victoria’s warnings highlight the unpredictability of bushfire conditions, urging everyone to prioritize their safety. Local authorities are determined to provide updates as the situation develops, and the relief center stands ready to support those affected.
Officials advise the best course of action for those living within the advisory zones is to take preemptive measures by evacuations before conditions deteriorate again. The situation remains fluid, and all are advised to stay informed through official communication channels.
