Firefighters say central Victorian communities are not “in the clear just yet” as they continue battling the Lancefield fire, with four homes lost in the blaze.
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Around 90 per cent of the control lines and fire breaks have been constructed around the fire in an attempt to contain it.
The fire, springing from a planned burn earlier this week, has burnt close to 3000 hectares and threatened communities in Benloch, Nulla Vale, Pastoria, Baynton and Lancefield.
The 500-hectare Tallarook fire is also expected to remain within containment lines.
Windy conditions have eased across the state, however temperatures have again risen, with expected maximums of 29 degrees in Bendigo, and up to 35 in the North West.
“Victorians have faced significant fires in the past week, and at least two of those fires have had a serious and a significant impact,” Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said.
He said 23 sheds and some valuable farm equipment had also been lost.
“We aren’t in the clear just yet. We have one fire still yet to be fully contained, which is the Lancefield fire, but we are certainly making good progress,” he said.
“This has been a trying time, particularly for the communities who have been threatened by these fires and in some cases, lost possessions or property.
“Many residents are still waiting for traffic managements points to open so they can access the area and we understand the frustration involved in that situation.”
The following roads remain closed:
1. Burke and Wills Track between Darlington and Westcott Lane.
2. Kitchenhams Road from the corner of Malones Road and Fenneys Lane intersection with no access to the west or south of this intersection
3. Youngs Road approximately 1km from Darlington Road for South Bound traffic
The following roads are open to local residents only:
4. Mooneys Lane
5. Emu Flat Road
6. Malones Road
7. Martins Road
8. Ashworths Road and Whalans Track intersection