Grassfires have erupted north of Melbourne, prompting emergency warnings and urgent responses from local authorities. Hot and windy conditions have raised the fire risk, leading to grassfire outbreaks particularly noted around Donnybrook and Kilmore on Saturday evening.
According to ABC News, the first significant incident occurred at Donnybrook, where the fire is currently uncontained and moving southwest toward the Hume Freeway. Jason Heffernan, chief officer of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) Victoria, remarked, "Certainly a close call for residents in outer Melbourne," stressing the urgency of the situation as the fire covered approximately 64 hectares.
Heffernan also warned residents to prepare for potential evacuations, highlighting how easily grass fires can ignite and spread, particularly in areas adjacent to urban settings. "Conditions are such," he stated, "that grass fires will start easily, will spread rapidly, just as we've seen in the Donnybrook area. Those grassland areas... are at threat... residents need to be ready to take action and prepare themselves for many, many hours to come." This urgent call for preparedness reflects the increasing fire danger facing residents due to the prevailing weather conditions.
Simultaneously, as firefighters battled the Donnybrook blaze, attention was also directed to another grassfire near Kilmore. Over 30 fire crews were dispatched to the Willowmavin district when the fire ignited early Saturday afternoon. Initial reports indicated the necessity for local residents to remain indoors and close their windows as smoke spread through the vicinity. Luke Heagerty with the State Control Centre informed ABC News about the rush to contain the fire, stating, "Whilst it did burn very quickly initially, we've slowed it and it should stay to the north of the Old Kilmore-Lancefield Road." Fortunately, by late afternoon, fire authorities managed to bring the blaze under control, allowing for the downgrade of fire threat warning.
The intense heat exacerbated conditions throughout central Victoria. Temperatures soared, reaching 36 degrees Celsius in central Melbourne, with some suburbs experiencing highs of 38 degrees and parts of the west hitting 42 degrees. Angus Hines, senior forecaster from the Bureau of Meteorology, underlined the connection between the weather and heightened fire risks. He noted, "It has been warm and it has been windy and of course those are two things which really do act to raise the fire danger." Adding to the discomfort, temperatures overnight were projected not to drop below 25 degrees.
To mitigate these risks, authorities implemented total fire bans across regions including Mallee, Wimmera, North Central, South West, and Central Victoria. Such precautions are meant to prevent any potential fire ignitions during peak danger periods. Experts predict continuing hot and windy weather through the weekend, culminating with possible storms which could complicate firefighting efforts.
The situation underlines the significant threats posed by these fires not only to properties but also to community safety. Reports have indicated every resident impacted should remain cautious and prepared for continued fire threats, as the risks intensify with the weather forecast. Emergency services are emphasizing the need for vigilance among residents, especially as conditions remain conducive to the rapid spread of fires.
Local authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely, adapting strategies as needed to respond to any new fire outbreaks. Continuous updates will be provided to the public to keep affected communities informed. Residents are urged to follow the guidance of fire authorities and heed all alerts and warnings issued. With the threat of grassfires looming large, proactive measures may prove to be the key to safeguarding the community as conditions continue to evolve over the weekend.
Overall, the events of this weekend showcase the dangerous intersection of severe weather and fire risks across central Victoria, with communities now on high alert as they brace for whatever may lie ahead.