Residents ordered to shelter in their homes or risk death as raging bushfires surge towards them 

Firefighters are battling their first major bushfire of the season in Victoria as residents are warned it’s now too late to evacuate.

An emergency warning was issued for an out-of-control blaze on Brennans Road, Pryors Road and Platts Road in Buninyong, 11 kilometres from Ballarat. 

The blaze covers 30 to 40 hectares in bush and grassland and 22 emergency fire trucks are currently battling the fire. 

An emergency warning was issued for an out-of-control blaze on Brennans Road, Pryors Road and Platts Road in Buninyong, 11 kilometres from Ballarat

The Victorian Emergency website issued the warning early Thursday afternoon and has said the fire is quickly moving south towards Pryors Road. 

‘You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,’ the warning said.

‘The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave, leaving now would be deadly.’

Firefighters have been unable to tame the fire and residents situated south of Devonshire Road have been urged to barricade themselves inside. 

They are warned to move indoors and bring all pets inside, protect themselves with long sleeves and trousers made of cotton or wool and leather boots.

Those who can’t make it back inside their home are being told to seek shelter in large open areas such as a football oval.  

The blaze covers 30 to 40 hectares in bush and grassland while 22 emergency fire trucks attend to the fire

A Watch and Act warning message has been issued for Durham Lead, Scotsburn as the bushfire travels in a southerly direction.

Residents in the area are being told they must leave immediately as it is the safest option as conditions can get worse very quickly. 

More to come.