Four out-of-control bushfires merge and blanket large parts of Victoria in a thick haze as residents are told to evacuate their homes
- Residents in parts of Victoria have been urged to evacuate their homes
- Four out-of-control bushfires have merged into one throughout the state
- Residents were reminded by authorities that ‘leaving now is the safest option’
Residents in parts of Victoria have been urged to evacuate their homes as four out-of-control bushfires merge into one.
Hundreds of firefighters came together to attempt to put out blazes across the state as evacuation orders were rolled out for more than 20 suburbs.
Four fires have merged at Bunyip State Park near Tonimbik about 65km east of Melbourne.
Residents in parts of Victoria have been urged to evacuate their homes as four out-of-control bushfires merged into one
Four fires have merged at Bunyip State Park near Tonimbik about 65km east of Melbourne
Hundreds of firefighters came together to put out blazes across the state as evacuation orders were rolled out for more than 20 suburbs
Other locals were told to seek shelter indoors because it was ‘too late to leave’ some regions, including Gembrook and Bunyip as a fast moving fire approached the Princes Highway.
Residents in Boolarra, Budgeree, Churchill, Grand Ridge, Hazelwood, Jeeralang, Jumbuk and Yinnar were told their communities could be hit by the fires at any point.
Many sought shelter in relief centres located around the state in Morwell and Pakenham, arriving with no more than the clothes on their backs.
Hundreds of firefighters came together to put out blazes across the state as evacuation orders were rolled out for more than 20 suburbs
Other locals were told to seek shelter indoors because it was ‘too late to leave’ some regions, including Gembrook and Bunyip as a fast moving fire approached the Princes Highway
Most recently, residents of Labertouche North have been told to prepare to evacuate by Sunday morning
Most recently, residents of Labertouche North have been told to prepare to evacuate by Sunday morning.
‘Winds may strengthen early in the morning from the north west which will affect the movement of the fire,’ a statement from VicEmergency read.
‘Crews are focused on asset protection and will be on the fireline all night to support local communities.’
Residents were reminded that ‘leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.’
‘Emergency Services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.’
For people who are already caught in the blaze, or choosing to remain at home, the emergency health service said they should take shelter before the fire actually arrives.
Residents were reminded that ‘leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous’
For people who are already caught in the blaze, or choosing to remain at home, the emergency health service said they should take shelter before the fire actually arrives
Smoke can be seen rising from the out-of-control bushfire burning in Victoria’s east. Four fires merged at Bunyip State Park near Tonimbik about 65km east of Melbourne
They warned the extreme heat is likely to be deadly, and could kill somebody well before the flames even reach.
‘Shelter in a room that has two exits including one directly to the outside. It is important to be able to see outside so you know what is happening with the fire,’ they said.
‘If your home catches on fire and the conditions inside become unbearable, you need to get out and go to an area that has already been burnt.’
A total fire ban has been implemented across the state.
A total fire ban has been implemented across the state of Victoria