PREMIER Daniel Andrews is angry and wants answers over the cause of the fire which has destroyed at least five homes in central Victoria.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville this week announced a full review into the Lancefield blaze.
Authorities have confirmed that five houses, 19 sheds, two vehicles and farm equipment have been destroyed in the fire which has burned through thousands of hectares. Kilometres of fencing have also been lost. There are fears that toll could rise as people return to the area.
Mr Andrews said high temperatures forecast for the next few days meant the region was in for another dangerous weekend.
“There are still significant challenges in that fire ahead of what’s going to be a warm weekend,” Mr Andrews said.
He said residents had every right to be angry.
“I’m angry. We need answers, for that community and for every other community,” he said.
“I don’t like being in a position where I can’t say to people who’ve lost their homes what went wrong.”
An investigation into how the fire, which began as a controlled burn, was able to break containment lines will be led by the director of Western Australia’s Office of Bushfire Risk Management Murray Carter.
Mr Andrews said the government would take on board recommendations made by the review.
“If there are changes that need to be made, we’ll make them,” he said.
“If there’s compensation that needs to be paid, it will be paid and in good time.”
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley this week warned Victorians to expect the worst October fire season in history.
“We’ll stand with the Lancefield community but we have to appreciate this is going to be a long, hot, dry and dangerous summer and one where we’re all going to have to stick together,” Mr Andrews said.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 31 degrees in Bendigo today, with the possibility of thunderstorms.