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UPDATE 5.05pm: This Advice message is being issued by Country Fire Authority for Lancefield, Rochford, Cobaw.
There is a bushfire burning and is approximately up to 3000 hectares after good work from crews.
The fire is not yet under control.
The fire is currently slow moving and burning in the area north of Kitchenhams Road around Burke and Wills Track, Frosts Road and Youngs Road.
Mild weather conditions have reduced fire behaviour, however there is still fire burning in the area and people should remain informed as the situation can change quickly.
Fire fighters continue to work to control the fire and create a track around the fire perimeter. This is only partially complete and the work is being made harder by areas of steep terrain with rocky outcrops.
Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads. Due to its large size, this fire is causing smoke to be seen from a range of locations and from some distance.
UPDATE 2.34pm: The CFA has issued the following watch and act message for Benloch, Pastoria East, Pastoria, Nulla Vale, Baynton, Baynton East, Sidonia, Emu Flat.
There is a bushfire continuing to burn near Benloch. The total area of the fire is approximately up to 3000 hectares after good work by crews. The perimeter is complex in shape and remains at 61km, two thirds of the fire has been contained.
This fire is not yet under control.
The fire is currently slow moving and mild weather conditions have reduced the fire behaviour. However there are still areas of active fire and people should remain informed as the situation can change quickly.
Pockets of unburnt fuel within the fire perimeter will continue to burn.
Fire fighters are continuing to work to control the fire and are creating a control line around the fire perimeter. They have currently established 25 km of control line and will continue their efforts to contain the fire over the next 24 hours.
Crews have burnt out some area's of unburnt fuel early this morning on the Burke and Wills Track about 2km south-east of Benloch and 3km north-east of Lancefield. The purpose of this work is to clear a pocket of unburnt fuel contained within the bulldozed perimeter of the fire in order to strengthen containment lines.
Residents of Benloch and Lancefield may see active flame in this area and increased smoke may be visible for some distance while the burn continues.
Weather conditions remain mild and are perfect for this type of fire control work.
UPDATE 10.20am: A fourth house has been lost in the blaze, authorities have conformed, along with seven sheds, two vehicles and farm equipment.
There are fears that number could rise as people return to the area.
Milder weather is predicted for today, but the chance of an afternoon thunderstorm means lightning strikes could spark more fires.
UPDATE 10am: Residents in the Macedon Ranges Shire are no longer allowed to burn-off on their properties.
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council changed burning off restrictions yesterday, saying restrictions that had previously been lifted for properties 4000 square metres or less had been cancelled. This now means no-one in the shire is permitted to burn off.
The changes were brought in for a number of reasons, including the current fire, the earlier than expected beginning of the summer fire season and the dry conditions.
The council will review the conditions in consultation with emergency services next week.
For more details, visit the burning off section on the council’s website.
UPDATE 8.30am: Six months before the controlled burn at Lancefield broke containment lines this week, destroying property and endangering lives, a review by the Inspector-General for Emergency Management recommended dumping hectare-based planned burn targets in favour of a risk reduction-focused system. Read more here.
UPDATE 8am: Edgar’s Mission founder and director Pam Ahern recalls the day fire was at their front gate…
“Recalling the dire situation we had faced in February 2014 as the Mickleham fires kept us prisoner for three days – if her fire was slow moving, menacing and cruel, yesterday’s was swift, unforgiving and on a mission.”
UPDATE 7.15am: Jacqueline Lehmann's house on Feeneys Lane, Benloch, has been under siege since the fire started and was at one stage under attack on three sides.
Mrs Lehmann thought the worst was over on Thursday morning and went to sleep for two hours - her first shut eye in 48 hours.
But by midday the fire had roared back to life just 300 metres from her back door.
"We thought it was all over this morning but now it has flared up again at the rear of the property and firefighters have been trying to contain that since noon," she told The Age on Thursday night.
"Out there at the moment the fire keeps flaring up over and over again."
Mrs Lehmann said 30 acres of land had been scorched at the rear of her property and CFA crews were using bulldozers to build containment lines.
"It's moving slowly because, thank God, those ferocious winds that we had yesterday are no longer there, but they just haven't been able to contain it or control it."
Mrs Lehmann, who works from home as a consultant, praised the Country Fire Authority volunteers who have fought to save her home.
"I don't have any words: they are just amazing," she said.
UPDATE, FRIDAY 7am: The fire continues to burn near Lancefield.
The area of the fire has now been reduced to 2700 hectares after good work by crews overnight.
The perimeter is complex in shape and remains at 61km, although about half of this has been contained.
This fire is not yet under control.
A watch and act message still remains for Benloch, Pastoria East, Pastoria, Nulla Vale, Baynton, Baynton East, Sidonia and Emu Flat.
The fire is currently slow moving and mild weather conditions have reduced the fire behaviour. However there are still areas of active fire and people should remain informed as the situation can change quickly.
Pockets of unburnt fuel within the fire perimeter will continue to burn.
Firefighters are continuing to work to control the fire and are creating a control line around the fire perimeter.
They have currently established 25km of control line and will continue their efforts to contain the fire over the next 24 hours.
Crews will burn out an area of unburnt fuel early this morning on the Burke and Wills Track about 2km south-east of Benloch and 3km north-east of Lancefield.
The purpose of this work is to clear a pocket of unburnt fuel contained within the bulldozed perimeter of the fire in order to strengthen containment lines.
Residents of Benloch and Lancefield may see active flame in this area and increased smoke may be visible for some distance while the burn continues.
Weather conditions remain mild and are perfect for this type of fire control work, the CFA says.
A community meeting will be held at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute on the corner of High Street and The Crescent at 2pm today, Friday, October 9, and a residents' meeting will be held for locals at the Benloch Fire Station at 4.30pm.
Residents living within the fire affected area and within the associated traffic management points and road closures, who have remained in the area, will be unable to return to their homes if they travel to Lancefield to attend the community meeting.
Road closures:
- Burke and Wills Track is closed between Baynton's Road to Mission Hill Road through Pastoria and Benloch.
- Mission Hill Road and Emu Flat-Baynton Road are closed between Lancefield-Tooborac Road and Burke and Wills Track
- Malones Road and Martins Road are closed at the Lancefield-Tooborac Road in Nulla Vale
- Whalen's Track and Baynton's Road remain closed as safety cannot be guaranteed.
Three Chain Road and Oakley's Lane are open and Mooney's Track is accessible by local traffic only.
UPDATE, THURSDAY 5.35pm: Firefighters are unlikely to bring the bushfire that has ravaged the area around Lancefield under control until Friday, as they struggle to battle the blaze on difficult terrain.
Hundreds of people still do not yet know whether their houses have survived the blaze that swept north of the small town, as CFA and police roadblocks remain in place.
Emergency services have confirmed two houses have been destroyed, with locals suggesting at least two more have been burnt down, along with a number of civic buildings and sheds.
The CFA had hoped to bring the 4000-hectare fire under control by Thursday night but was racing to gain the upper hand before a northerly wind change and possible thunderstorms on Saturday.
"We were hopeful that we would have that contained by tonight but it now appears that it will be within the next 24 hours," CFA spokesman James Todd said on Thursday afternoon.
"The fire is burning slowly, it's really just the rocky and steep terrain that's stopping us getting in there and finishing the job off."
Mr Todd said forecast temperatures in the mid-20s and light winds on Friday offered a window of opportunity to contain the blaze before the weekend.
Some residents have been allowed to return to their homes within the fire-affected area and safety teams are assessing the area so more can do the same.
Fire crews had made significant gains at the fire in Tallarook on Thursday, with the fire now burning within containment lines, Mr Todd said.
At the historic Mechanics Institute in Lancefield locals, perhaps 200, gathered to receive updates on the fire situation and vent their fury at government and emergency services representatives.
Wayne Rigg, the CFA's air attack supervisor, arrived at the 11am meeting after flying by helicopter around the perimeter of the blaze, which continues to burn.
"In contrast to the last few days, I've been over the fire this morning, it's a lot quieter," he said.
"There it a lot of unburnt fuel within the fire. But the edges have now been trapped with ground crews, so there's no running fire that I could see this morning. That does not mean that it won't change, but I've got five helicopters dropping plenty of water on it this afternoon."
"From what I can see out there, there are a number of assets that I have seen lost. I can't tell you where they are or which ones they are. There are trees down everywhere over every road. We'll be overhead all day."
One Lancefield man believed he had suffered almost one hundred thousand dollars in property damage from the fire.
The real venom of the meeting was reserved for a representative from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the agency that conducted the burn off.
Ken Wright called on police to focus less on roadblocks and more on arresting the "moron" at the Department who controlled the backburn.
"Heads should roll", he said.
Fire officials who started the bungled burn are stressed and in need of support, says the state's government's chief fire officer.
But, while fire chief Alan Goodwin said the Cobaw forest burn-off's escape was regrettable, he denied emphatically the operation had been under-staffed and ignorant of pending heatwave conditions.
There have been reports from the Lancefield area that there were not enough firefighters on the ground last week, with some levelling the blame at the inaugural grand final eve public holiday.
The planned burn was first lit last Wednesday.
"Going into a public holiday and a long weekend has no impact on the way we resource our burns in anywhere in the state," Mr Goodwin said.
The number of resources allocated was based on estimated risk and weather conditions, the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Parks fire chief said.
"It is certainly regrettable, our staff are stressed about this, it is important to support them," he said.
Mr Goodwin said the Lancefield fire team would have been aware of the weekend's weather forecast and planned to have the prescribed fire controlled by the time the hot weather arrived.
Meanwhile, Premier Daniel Andrews arrived in the bushfire stricken town of Lancefield on Thursday with a message for furious locals: "You have a right to be, and we're pretty angry too"
The Premier took leave from parliament to arrive, in blue jeans and brown boots, in an unannounced visit to the small northern town.
He met CFA volunteers and locals affected by the blaze, before being drawn into a conversation with a young local woman who, close to tears, told him of her fears of bushfire in a town where mobile phone reception is patchy at best.
"You should have been here yesterday, people were pretty angry," she said.
"You've got every right to be, and we're pretty angry too," he replied.
"I cannot explain to why what happened happened. But that's why we're having the review. Strength to you. It cannot be easy."
The external review, led by the director of Western Australia's Office of Bushfire Risk Management Murray Carter, will examine whether enough staff were allocated throughout the burn.
The review panel will also include Lancefield community local Vivien Philpotts, and Parks Victoria regional operations director Jo Richards.
Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett said relief payments of $1300 had already been made to 17 people.
Ms Garrett said 4000 hectares had been burnt already but authorities were hopeful that better conditions would see the fire controlled by Thursday night.
She said two houses and six sheds had been lost, with some department vehicles damaged by falling trees.
Compensation will be considered by the review panel, and Environment Minister Lisa Neville said water used from private dams would be replaced.
- The Age
UPDATE 5.10pm: The latest aerial assessments of the fire show it is 3,600 hectares in area with a perimeter of 61 kilometres.
Firefighters have established a 25 kilometre control line around the perimeter of the fire and will continue efforts to contain the fire overnight.
However pockets of unburnt fuel within the fire perimeter will continue to burn out this evening and tomorrow.
Light north-easterly winds are predicted to move easterly into the evening with mild weather conditions expected to continue overnight.
The recovery centre coordinated by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council is now open at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute.
UPDATE 4pm: The CFA has issued an updated watch and act message for Pastoria East, Pastoria, Nulla Vale, Baynton, Baynton East, Sidonia, Emu Flat.
The fire remains out of control and is burning in the area north of Kitchenams Road around Burke and Will's Track, Frosts Road, and Youngs Road.
UPDATE 2.30pm: There will be a community meeting in Benloch this afternoon for residents remaining in the fire-affected area. Members of the public will not be allowed to enter the restricted area to attend this meeting.
UPDATE 2.20pm: Fire officials who started the bungled burn off near Lancefield are stressed and in need of support, says the state's government's chief fire officer.
But, while fire chief Alan Goodwin said the Cobaw forest burn-off's escape was regrettable, he denied emphatically the operation had been under-staffed and ignorant of pending heatwave conditions.
There have been reports from the Lancefield area that there were not enough firefighters on the ground last week, with some levelling the blame at the inaugural Grand Final Eve public holiday.
The planned burn was first lit last Wednesday.
"Going into a public holiday and a long weekend has no impact on the way we resource our burns in anywhere in the state," Mr Goodwin said.
The number of resources allocated was based on estimated risk and weather conditions, the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Parks fire chief said.
"It is certainly regrettable, our staff are stressed about this, it is important to support them," he said.
Mr Goodwin said the Lancefield fire team would have been aware of the weekend's weather forecast and planned to have the prescribed fire controlled by the time the hot weather arrived.
An external review, led by the director of Western Australia's Office of Bushfire Risk Management Murray Carter, will examine whether enough staff were allocated throughout the burn.
The review panel will also include Lancefield community local Vivien Philpotts, and Parks Victoria regional operations director Jo Richards.
Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett said relief payments of $1300 had already been made to 17 people.
Ms Garrett said 4000 hectares had been burnt already but authorities were hopeful that better conditions would see the fire controlled by tonight night.
She said two houses and six sheds had been lost, with some department vehicles damaged by falling trees.
Compensation will be considered by the review panel, and Environment Minister Lisa Neville said water used from private dams would be replaced.
UPDATE 1.30pm: The fire is currently slow moving and burning in the area north of Kitchenhams Road around Burke and Wills Track, Frosts Road, and Youngs Road.
The CFA has issued an updated watch and act message for Baynton, Baynton East, Benloch, Emu Flat, Nulla Vale, Pastoria, Pastoria East and Sidonia.
Low winds have reduced fire behavior, however there are still areas of active fire and people should remain informed as the situation can change quickly.
Firefighters are continuing to work to control the fire and create a track around the fire perimeter. This is only partially completed and is being made harder by areas of steep terrain with rocky outcrops.
Aircraft are continuing to support efforts to contain the fire and will be working throughout the day.
Smoke will be visible from a range of areas and at some distance from the fire.
Property owners in fire-affected areas need to stay alert in case conditions change.
A second community meeting will be held in Lancefield at 8pm today at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute on the corner of High Street and The Crescent. Similar information to the 11am meeting will be provided.
Residents living within the fire affected area and within the associated traffic management points/road closures will be unable to return if they travel to Lancefield to attend the community meeting.
The CFA is making alternative plans to hold a community meeting within the restricted area at the Benloch Fire Station at 4.30pm this afternoon.
UPDATE 12pm: Two homes, six sheds and two vehicles have been destroyed in the 4000-hectare blaze near Lancefield, which was sparked by a government-controlled burn-off.
But the Country Fire Authority's chief officer Euan Ferguson said that was likely to increase.
"What we've identified is around about eight structures which have been damaged or destroyed by fire," he told ABC radio today.
"It's difficult to determine from the air whether all those structures are residences or whether they might be sheds."
UPDATE 11.45am: Residents are fuming that the government-controlled burn-off went ahead last week, despite the forecast for high fire-danger weather conditions.
Murray Carter, director of Western Australia's Office of Bushfire Risk Management, will lead an external review of the decision to conduct the burn-off.
The burn-off was conducted by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning last Wednesday. It jumped containment lines during the AFL grand final on Saturday afternoon.
Mr Carter has been appointed to examine all aspects of the burn-off, including its timing, communication with the community and how it got out of control.
He is expected to present his findings to the government in three weeks.
UPDATE 10.30am: Firefighters are confident they will be able to take advantage of the cooler conditions today to contain the Lancefield blaze.
A reprieve from the hot, gusty weather on Wednesday night gave firefighters an opportunity to attack the 4000-hectare blaze, although the fire had split into a number of different fronts.
"We're confident that with the cooler conditions today and what we've got on the ground and in the air, we could get it under control tonight," State Control Centre spokesman James Todd said.
"We really want to take advantage of the milder conditions, so we're throwing everything we've got at this fire to try to get on top of it before there's any change in conditions."
The weather bureau is forecasting another mild day in the region, with south-easterly winds reaching only 15km/h.
Northerly winds are expected to whip up again at the weekend as the mercury climbs into the high 20s. Thunderstorms forecast for the weekend pose an added danger, as lightning could spark more fires, Mr Todd said.
"The temperature is warming up a little bit [on Saturday] and northerly winds are predicted with some thunderstorm activity, so that doesn't all go that well for the sort of conditions you need to fight fires under," Mr Todd said.
A team of 250 firefighters, backed by 10 water-bombing helicopters and at least 40 trucks and bulldozers, are again at the Lancefield firefront.
The fire was sparked by a controlled burn-off that jumped containment lines on Tuesday, before the northerly wind change.
However, firefighters have had trouble building containment lines because the rough, rocky ground has made it difficult to get bulldozers on site. The dozers are used to build land breaks that would stop the fire from spreading.
Stringybark trees in the fire zone are also causing spot fires ahead of containment lines.
"Our efforts are really focusing in on what we can do today to try to contain this fire from tonight," Mr Todd said.
"We'll focus on containment lines out on the flatter ground to protect properties."
There are reports the blaze has so far claimed four homes, although the CFA has only confirmed the loss of two properties.
At a recreation reserve in Lancefield on Thursday morning dozens of CFA fire trucks from across the state were gathered as crews prepared for the day ahead.
In the town's main street, an information van has been set up to help locals with inquiries about the fire.
Community meetings will be held at the Lancefield Mechanic Institute on Thursday at 11am and 8pm.
UPDATE 10am: The emergency warning has been downgraded to a watch and act for Baynton, Baynton East, Benloch, Emu Flat, Nulla Vale, Pastoria, Pastoria East and Sidonia.
There are now no emergency warnings active for fires in Victoria.
Property owners in fire-affected areas need to stay alert in case conditions change.
The fire is not yet under control and has burnt about 4000 hectares in the Benloch area.
Firefighters are continuing to work to control the fire and create a track around the fire perimeter. This is only partially completed and is being made harder by areas of steep terrain with rocky outcrops.
Road closures include:
- Burke & Wills Track is closed between Bayntons Road to Mission Hill Road through Pastoria and Benloch.
- Mission Hill Road & Emu Flat-Baynton Road are closed between Lancefield-Tooborac Road & Burke & Wills Track.
- Malones Road & Martins Road are closed at the Lancefield-Tooborac Road in Nulla Vale.
- Whalen's Track and Baynton's Road remain closed as safety cannot be guaranteed.
Traffic Management measures are in place to ensure public safety. There are a number of hazards including falling trees, spot fire activity from the main fire and poor visibility due to smoke. Emergency services vehicles are also operating in the area.
Public safety is paramount. These roads will continually be assessed by crews but will not be re-opened until public safety can be guaranteed.
Arborists and emergency services crews have worked to re-open Three Chain Road in the fire affected area.
Oakley’s Lane is now open and Mooney’s Track is accessible by local traffic only.
Motorists travelling on fire affected roads should drive with care and caution due to displaced wildlife and debris from fire including fallen limbs from trees. Emergency services vehicles which will continue to operate in this area and smoke may limit visibility.
UPDATE 8.10am: Community meetings will be held in Lancefield at 11am and 8pm today to provide the community with the information about the fires in the area.
Meetings will take place at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute on the corner of High Street and The Crescent and residents can choose to attend either the morning or evening session. Similar information will be provided at both meetings.
Representatives from the CFA, Victoria Police and Macedon Ranges Shire Council will provide updates about the current fire situation and support services available to those impacted by the fires.
A recovery centre will also be open at the back of the Lancefield Mechanics Institute, corner High Street and The Crescent from 10am-4pm on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9. It will be staffed by council and other support agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services.
A recovery centre is a place that those impacted by the fire can go for support to begin the recovery process. Staff at recovery centres will be able to provide support and assistance with everything from accommodation, clothing, food, financial aid and help with pets and livestock.
Anyone requiring assistance in recovering from the effects of the fires can call council on 5422 0333 if they cannot get to the recovery centre.
Updates on recovery assistance will also be published on the council’s website, and the Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts Facebook page.
UPDATE, THURSDAY 7am: There is an emergency warning in place for Benloch, Pastoria East, Pastoria, Nulla Vale, Baynton and Emu Flat. You are in danger, act now to protect yourself.
There is a watch and act message for Baynton, Baynton East, Nulla Vale, Sidonia, Pastoria.
The fire is continuing to travel in a north and north-westerly direction from Burke and Wills Track and Kitchenhams Road. The fire crossed Youngs Road on Wednesday afternoon.
The fire is currently impacting or about to impact the area west of Lancefield-Toborac Road between Burke and Wills Track and Martins Road across to the Ridge Road, Camp Track and Pattons Road area.
Low winds and an inversion layer over the area have slowed fire activity overnight. There was some flare-up of fire activity in a burnt out area above Three Chain Road, causing some property owners to phone Triple-0. There was also fire activity on the northern parts of the fire. These areas were being patrolled by crews.
Firefighters continued to work throughout the night to control the fire, including the use of bulldozers to create a track around the fire perimeter. This work has been more difficult in areas of steep terrain and rocky outcrops.
Conditions are expected to be milder today with variable winds. Property owners in fire-affected areas need to stay alert in case conditions change.
Road closures:
- Burke & Wills Track is closed between Bayntons Road to Mission Hill Road through Pastoria and Benloch.
- Mission Hill Road & Emu Flat-Baynton Road are closed between Lancefield-Tooborac Road & Burke & Wills Track.
- Malones Road & Martins Road are closed at the Lancefield-Tooborac Road in Nulla Vale.
- Whalen’s Track and Baynton Road remain closed as safety cannot be guaranteed.
- Three Mile Chain Road in the fire-affected area is now open.
- Oakley’s Lane is now open and Mooney’s Track is accessible by local traffic only.
Public safety is paramount. Extra staff have been ordered to help clear roads of dangerous trees today. However, roads will not be re-opened until public safety can be guaranteed.
Although some roads have reopened, motorists travelling on fire affected roads should drive slow and carefully due to: displaced wildlife, debris from fire including fallen limbs from trees. Emergency services vehicles will continue to operate in this area and smoke may limit visibility.
If you intend to leave your property and it is located off a road that is closed because of risks to your safety, you will not be able to re-access your property until roads are reopened.
Community meetings:
Community meetings will be held in Lancefield today, Thursday, October 8, at 11am and 8pm at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute on the corner of High Street and The Crescent.
Residents can choose to attend either the morning or evening session. Similar information will be provided at both meetings.
If you are unable to attend the community meeting, contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au
UPDATE, THURSDAY 12.30am: Four buildings have been lost and residents left furious after an out-of-control burn-off sparked a 4000-hectare bushfire near Lancefield in central Victoria.
More than 300 firefighters battled the blaze for a second day on Wednesday as the state's Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley warned Victorians to expect the worst October fire season in history.
The Country Fire Authority confirmed two homes, two sheds and two vehicles had been destroyed by the Lancefield fire.
The fire, which started near Lancefield, was moving rapidly across steep, rocky and, at times, inaccessible terrain in a northerly direction towards Baynton and Baynton East. Read more on this wrap of Wednesday’s events here.
UPDATE, WEDNESDAY 10pm: THE CFA has issued the following advice:
This is an Emergency Warning issued by Country Fire Authority for Benloch, Pastoria East, Pastoria, Nulla Vale, Baynton, Emu Flat.
There is an approximately 4000 ha out of control bushfire in the Benloch area. It is continuing to travel in a north & north westerly direction from Burke & Wills Track and Kitchenhams Road. This afternoon the fire crossed Young's Road.
The fire is currently impacting or about to impact the area west of Lancefield-Toborac road between Burke and Wills Track and Martins Road across to the Ridge Road, Camp Track and Pattons Road area.
Low winds and an inversion layer over the area have slowed fire activity tonight. Property owners in fire-affected areas need to stay alert in case conditions change.
Fire fighters will continue to work to control the fire throughout the night, including the use of bulldozers to create a track around the fire perimeter.
There are still multiple road closures in the area. These include:
- Burke & Wills Track is closed between Bayntons Road to Mission Hill Road through Pastoria and Benloch.
- Mission Hill Road & Emu Flat-Baynton Road are closed between Lancefield-Tooborac Road & Burke & Wills Track.
- Malones Road & Martins Road are closed at the Lancefield-Tooborac Road in Nulla Vale.
- Baynton Road from Three Chain Road is still closed.
- Mooney's Lane is open to residents only.
Traffic Management measures are in place to ensure public safety. There are a number of hazards including falling trees, spot fire activity from the main fire and poor visibility due to smoke. Emergency services vehicles are also operating in the area.
Public safety is paramount. These roads will continually be re-assessed but will not be re-opened until public safety can be guaranteed.
The next update is expected by 08/10/15 9:00 AM or as the situation changes.
Community Meetings:
Community meetings will be held in Lancefield on Thursday 8 October at 11am and 8pm to provide the community with the information about the fires in the area.
The community meeting will take place at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute on the corner of High Street and The Crescent and residents can choose to attend either the morning or evening session. Similar information will be provided at both meetings.
If you are unable to attend the community meeting, contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au
The next update is expected by 07/10/15 10:00 PM or as the situation changes.
UPDATE 6pm: The Lancefield fire is now impacting on the area west of Lancefield-Toborac Road, between Burke and Wills Track and Martins Road and across to the Ridge Road, Camp Track and Pattons Road area.
The 4000-hectare fire is travelling in a north and northwesterly direction and is expected to continue to burn overnight.
The blaze has so far claimed four homes, according to reports, with the CFA confirming one house lost.
UPDATE 5.45pm: The Victorian Environment Department has been labelled the 'Department of Scorched Earth' by furious locals affected by the Lancefield fire.
Residents have expressed disbelief that a planned burn was lit in the Cobaw State Forest last Wednesday, given hot temperatures were expected for the grand final weekend.
The fire has burnt 4000 hectares, remains out of control and is threatening homes.
Facing more than 200 people at a community meeting today, chief fire officer of the Environment Department Alan Goodwin was contrite.
"It's not good enough that this happens," he said.
Read the full story here.
UPDATE 5.30pm: The CFA says only one home has been confirmed lost, which was a house on Three Chain Road, Cobaw, that went up in flames on Tuesday night.
Spokesman Evan Thomas said impact assessment crews were investigating reports another house had been razed today, but fallen trees forced them to pull out.
He said the number of houses lost could rise once crews inspected areas the fire had gone through.
"There has been some really good work by fire crews and residents and there's been some fantastic saves," Mr Evans said.
UPDATE 5.11pm: The smoke from the Lancefield fires is visible on satellite pictures from the Bureau of Meteorology.
UPDATE 4.42pm: Fairfax photographer Penny Stephens is on the ground in Lancefield.
UPDATE 4.25pm: Channel 7 is reporting at least four homes near Lancefield have been destroyed.
UPDATE 4.20pm: The out-of-control fire in the Benloch area has grown and now covers 4000 hectares, the CFA says.
The fire is heading towards Baynton and Baynton East, while Nulla Vale, Sidonia, Pastoria and Emu Flat are also at risk.
A watch and act warning is in place for those areas, with locals being told to leave their homes now before it is too late.
UPDATE 3.53pm: A review into the cause of the fire which has engulfed 3000 hectares of land near Lancefield will be undertaken.
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the review would be conducted by an independent person.
“A team of people will be brought together to answer the what and the why,” he said.
Earlier this afternoon, angry residents attended a meeting at Lancefield, asking questions about why the state government went ahead with a burn-off despite forecasts of high fire-danger weather.
The controlled burn broke containment lines, threatening hundreds of properties and destroying one home.
Commissioner Lapsley said Victoria was possibly facing its worst ever fire season.
“All of October will have no rain, no moisture,” he said.
“We will see more fires in the Victorian landscape in October than we've probably ever experienced in Victorian history.
“A significant dry period is with us and it’s not going away. There is no rain.”
He said the fire season had arrived much earlier than usual.
“We have now moved into fire season,” he said.
“We’ve had three or four days of extreme temperatures, and excessive winds which have dried the landscape.”
Commissioner Lapsley said yesterday was an “extreme day” across Victoria, with 160 grass and bush fires.
The State Emergency service was called to 300 wind events, the majority of which involved trees down and damage to buildings.
One house was destroyed in the Lancefield fire, following a first which was lost in the Otways on Monday.
Commissioner Lapsley said a “significant amount of fencing” had been destroyed.
Residents at the meeting in Lancefield asked whether they would be compensated for their losses by the government.
“Over the next few days compensation issues will be discussed with the community,” Commissioner Lapsley said.
Cooler temperatures today were welcomed but winds did not abate, with gusts of 50-60km/h fuelling the fires.
Commissioner Lapsley said two fire trucks had been damaged in the fires by falling trees. One sustained minor damage and the other was significantly damaged. No firefighters were injured in either incident.
He said this demonstrated the need for road closures around the fire zones.
“That tells you how risky; how dangerous these firegrounds can be,” he said.
Commissioner Lapsley urged people to be prepared.
“Take it seriously. Primacy of life is the number one principal we say,” he said.
“We need the community of Victoria to understand.”
Commissioner Lapsley paid tribute to CFA, MFB, DELWP and Parks Victoria firefighters who are battling the blazes.
“They’ve done a great job and we applaud for that but this is only start of long long season,” he said.
UPDATE 3.30pm: An address by Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley is scheduled to begin shortly. Watch the live feed here.
UPDATE 3.20pm: A review by the Victorian Inspector-General for Emergency Management made public in May recommended dumping the existing program of 5 per cent burning of public land every year in favour of a new risk reduction focused system.
Read the Bendigo Advertiser’s story on the report here.
UPDATE 3pm: Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley will give an update on the fires at 3.30pm today via Periscope and available here.
UPDATE 2.42pm: Hundreds of people have attended a community meeting in Lancefield to hear officials discuss the nearby fire, reporter Darren Gray says.
The room is packed with people of all ages, and the crowd is frustrated, with many people angry that it started from a controlled burn-off.
"We're angry, we're very angry," one woman said.
UPDATE 2.30pm: Reporter Rania Spooner says a text message has been sent to residents telling them they might not be able to return home after the community meeting which is under way now in Lancefield.
It says: "Bushfire Advice: residents in the fire affected area attending the community meeting will not be able to re-enter property if on a closed road."
UPDATE 2.10pm: Locals have crammed into the Lancefield Mechanics Institute where a public meeting is being held.
UPDATE 2.10pm: Reporter Rania Spooner is in Benloch, where firefighters are trying to save homes from an out-of-control bushfire fuelled by raging winds.
About ten properties are at extreme risk south of Benloch, on Sid Smith Lane, after swirling winds caused amber attacks at their rears about 1pm.
All firefighters can do is try to protect these homes because they're unable to get the access to actively fight the fire, said Northern Sector Commander Ian Hay.
He said firefighters have lost ground as the fire's multiple heads continue to rapidly change direction.
"There hasn't been a constant wind direction that we can concentrate on," he said.
Some residents have remained but not all were prepared for what it would take to defend them, he said.
"In the last hour or so we've had this wind get up a bit from the south," Mr Hay said.
"It's moving around quite a bit… its causing all sorts of problems to contain the fire at the moment. We can't get to it."
Meanwhile, a strike team has been sent to the northern head of the fire, which has continued make ground despite firefighters actively fighting for ground and is now moving towards Pastoria.
"I've never seen it like this before, not at this time of year," Mr Hay said.
"We've had erratic fire behaviour all morning due to the winds.
"I've changed tact five times in the past two hours."
Firefighters on the grounds believe the blaze will remain a threat to home until there is some rain.
UPDATE 2pm: Macedon Ranges Shire Council will open a recovery centre will at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute, corner High Street and The Crescent from 4pm-6pm today and on Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October from 10am-4pm.
It will be staffed by council and other support agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services.
A recovery centre is a place that those impacted by the fire can go for support to begin the recovery process. Staff at recovery centres will be able to provide support and assistance with things such as accommodation, clothing, food, financial aid and help with pets and livestock.
Council’s acting chief executive officer, Dale Thornton said council was co-ordinating a range of support and assistance for residents who have been affected by the fires.
“We recognise that emergencies such as these take an immediate and ongoing emotional, economic and social toll on families and communities and we are here to help our communities recover,” he said.
“Our recovery team are currently working out what support affected communities need, which includes setting up a recovery centre in Lancefield,” he said.
Anyone requiring assistance in recovering from the effects of the fires can call Council on 5422 0333.
UPDATE 1.55pm: A public meeting will be held today, Wednesday, October 7, at 2pm at The Lancefield Mechanics Institute, The Crescent, Lancefield.
UPDATE 1.50pm: Reporter Darren Gray is in Lancefield and has described the scene:
A large plume of smoke can be seen heading skyward over the Cobaw State Forest.
On the western edge of the fire, thick smoke is blanketing the edge of the forest and flames can be seen from adjoining private property.
Strong winds from the south are bending over trees, and there are many branches and trees down on roads near the bushfire.
There are also multiple police road blocks around Lancefield, preventing people from driving into dangerous areas.
UPDATE 1.23pm: The fire that began at Cobaw is heading towards Baynton and Baynton East and Emu Flat, Nulla Vale, Pastoria and Sidonia are also at risk.
Residents in Baynton, Baynton East, Nulla Vale, Sidonia and Pastoria have been told the safest option is to leave and not wait.
The CFA advises where a town is mentioned in two different types of warnings, that locals should take the higher danger warning if in doubt about which advice applies to them.
UPDATE 12.50pm: Macedon Ranges Shire Council is asking motorists to avoid travelling in the Cobaw and Lancefield areas until further notice due to bushfire activity.
There are multiple road closures in the area.
Traffic management measures are in place to ensure public safety. There are a number of hazards including falling trees, spot fire activity from the main fire and poor visibility due to smoke.
Emergency services vehicles are also operating in the area.
Road closures include:
- Three Chain Road is closed between Mooneys Lane and Baynton Road.
- Burke & Wills Track is closed between Baynton Road to Mission Hill Road through Pastoria and Benloch.
- Mission Hill Road and Emu Flat-Baynton Road are closed between Lancefield-Tooborac Road and Burke and Wills Track.
- Malones Road & Martins Road are closed at the Lancefield-Tooborac Road in Nulla Vale.
Public safety is paramount. These roads will continually be re-assessed but will not be re-opened until public safety can be guaranteed.
For information about the latest road closures in the area, please monitor alerts.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Anyone requiring assistance in recovering from the effects of the fires can call Council on 5422 0333.
UPDATE 12.30pm: The CFA is issuing telephone warning to people in the Benloch and Baynton area to take shelter.
UPDATE 12.25pm: The CFA has issued an updated watch and act message for Baynton, Baynton East, Nulla Vale, Sidonia and Pastoria.
The fire is heading towards Baynton and Baynton East.
Emu Flat, Nulla Vale, Pastoria and Sidonia are also at risk.
Don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency Services may not be able to help you. Read more from the alert here.
UPDATE 12.20pm: Six areas are now under threat, with the CFA issuing an upgraded emergency warning for Pastoria, Nulla Vale, Baynton and Emu Flat.
The emergency warning still remains for Benloch and Pastoria East.
The fire is continuing to travel in a north and north-westerly direction from Burke and Wills Track and Kitchenhams Road. There is spotting ahead of the main fire.
The fire is currently impacting or about to impact the following roads: Kitchenhams Road, Frosts Road, Feeneys Lane, Malones Road, Youngs Road, and Nicholls Lane.
You are in danger, act now to protect yourself.
Safety Information
When indoors:
- Close all exterior doors, windows and vents and turn off cooling systems.
- Shelter in a room that has a door and or a window to the outside - It is critical to keep an eye on what is happening with the fire.
If you cannot get indoors, other last resort options include:
- A large open area like a ploughed paddock, football oval or sporting reserve.
- A large body of water like a dam, lake, river, the ocean or inground pool.
- Try to protect yourself from the fire's heat.
In the car:
- Park behind a solid structure to block the fire's heat or pull over to a cleared area.
- Try to position the car towards the approaching fire.
- Put on your hazard lights and headlights.
- Turn the engine off, close all windows and ensure that car air vents are closed.
- Get down as low as possible below window level and cover up with a woolen blanket.
If you are travelling, do not enter the area, U-turn to safety.
If you are away from home, do not return.
For life or property threatening emergencies call 000
If you need medical advice for burns or smoke exposure call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024
Stay Informed:
- Via www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- Tune to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations or Sky News TV
- Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667
- Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment can contact VBIL via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
- For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VBIL. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
- Download the FireReady App and follow CFA_Updates on Twitter (#VicFires) or Facebook.
- Road Closures: check VicRoads Website.
UPDATE 11am: The CFA has issued an updated emergency warning for Benloch and Pastoria East.
The fire is approximately 3000 hectares in size and is currently impacting or about to impact Kitchenhams Road, Frosts Road, Feeneys Road, Malones Road, Youngs Road, and Nicholls Lane.
It is travelling in a north & north westerly direction from Burke & Wills Track.
You are in danger, act now to protect yourself.
There are multiple road closures in the area:
- Three Chain Road is closed between Mooneys Lane and Baynton Road.
- Burke & Wills Track is closed between Baynton Road to Mission Hill Road through Pastoria and Benloch.
- Mission Hill Road and Emu Flat-Baynton Road are closed between Lancefield-Tooborac Road and Burke & Wills Track.
- Malones Road and Martins Road are closed at the Lancefield-Tooborac Road in Nulla Vale.
Traffic Management measures are in place to ensure public safety. There are a number of hazards including falling trees, spot fire activity from the main fire and poor visibility due to smoke. Emergency services vehicles are also operating in the area.
Public safety is paramount. These roads will continually be re-assessed but will not be re-opened until public safety can be guaranteed.
A community meeting will be held today, Wednesday, October 7, at 2pm at The Lancefield Mechanics Institute, The Crescent, Lancefield.
UPDATE 10.50am: The relief centre in Gisborne was closed last night after the small handful of people who required assistance were found temporary accommodation.
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council will monitor the situation and reopen the centre if necessary, a spokesperson said.
Anyone impacted by the fires who requires support can still contact the council on 5422 0333.
A community meeting will be held today, Wednesday, October 7, at 2pm at The Lancefield Mechanics Institute, The Crescent, Lancefield.
UPDATE 10.11am: Crews are actively defending about 80 homes and a school camp that are under threat in the Benloch area.
CFA Lancefield spokesman John Pearce has told The Age that although there was only one home confirmed to have been lost, the status of several properties was not yet known and impact assessment teams would be to go in to some areas later today.
Firefighters are waiting for powerful winds to die down before they are able to attack the fire more effectively with heavy equipment like bulldozers and air wing, Mr Pearce said.
"We're hoping they can contain it today but there's going to be several days here before they can mop it up after that," he said.
UPDATE 10.10am: Premier Daniel Andrews has said it was a "really sad situation" that a house, sheds and fencing had been destroyed by the fires, The Age is reporting.
"We'll be there with them to help them rebuild, to help them repair and to provide them with the support that they need," Mr Andrews said.
He added there would be a full investigation into how the fire that started as a controlled burn jumped containment lines.
UPDATE 10am: The relief centre in Gisborne has been closed. Anyone impacted by the fires who requires support can contact the Macedon Ranges Shire Council on 5422 0333.
UPDATE 9.30am: Helicopter pilots water-bombing the fire front helped rescue sheep at Edgar’s Mission yesterday, Pam Ahern from Edgar’s Mission told radio station 3AW this morning.
"We had a fire actually come from the south ... which is where our sheep were, and I was trying to herd them up a paddock and they were getting really scared because the helicopters were getting water out of the dams either side of them,” she said.
"One of the chopper pilots could see what was happening and he actually came around and came up behind the sheep and he started to herd them towards me.
"Once the sheep saw me and I called out to them, they came running and I could get them out of the paddock."
UPDATE 9.20am: Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed that the 80-year-old missing during the Lancefield fire has been found and is safe.
UPDATE 9.15am: Anger is mounting among the Lancefield community about the controlled burn-off that sparked the huge bushfire now threatening 200 homes, The Age reports.
Veterinarian Miesja Reynolds who runs the Lancefield Equine Clinic says she's "extremely angry".
"It's a disaster really," she says.
"It's cleared out a lot of debris that's built up over the years, but it should not have happened like this. It should have been done when it was a lot cooler.
"We haven't lost our house, but we've lost five kilometres worth of fencing."
The Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt told 3AW yesterday he intended to write a "please explain" letter to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews about the burn off.
Mary Delahunty, former Labor MP, who has a small property at Cobaw told The Age she was “furious that this so-called controlled burn endangered us again, twice in three days”.
“Someone in the department must be accountable for the fear, the anxiety, the loss of property. I don't know how much more was lost overnight, but thousands and thousands of hectares, people evacuated, a house gone near me, and for what reason?
"This happened in 2003 and I was minister in the then-called Department of Sustainability and I can remember being on the top of our little house with the sprinklers in the raging wind and the radio on loudly below me ... and we were ringed by fire on the fringe.
"This time, someone must be accountable."
"There's a lot of anger in the community.
“I do want to say a warm and big thank you to all the volunteers and then all night last night. They've kept everyone safe.
"The smoke was horrendous, the sight was frightening, but the wind took it away from our property, but we didn't know that until the day wore on."
UPDATE 9.10am: The CFA has issued an updated emergency warning for Benloch and Pastoria East.
The fire is still travelling in a north/north-westerly direction from Burke & Wills Track towards Youngs Road, Frosts Road and Nicholls Lane.
If you are in the area, you are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
The fire is still impacting Kitchenhams Road between Frosts Road and Feeneys Road / Malones Road.
The major roads in the area remain closed and will not be reopened until they have been assessed during the day.
UPDATE 8.55am: One person is still unaccounted for, a CFA spokesperson said.
A community meeting will be held today, Wednesday, October 7, at 2pm at The Lancefield Mechanics Institute, The Crescent, Lancefield.
A relief centre has been set up at the Gisborne Community Centre in Hamilton Street, Gisborne.
“If you are leaving or travelling near a fire-affected area to attend a relief centre, make sure that it is safe to do so and plan your route carefully by accessing the latest emergency information issued by the CFA,” deputy mayor Russell Mowatt said.
“Right now there is an emergency unfolding in our region so I would encourage everyone to work together as a community and help each other through this.
“Remember, it’s really important to follow the advice of the emergency agencies while the emergency is unfolding. Council does not issue emergency information, the CFA does.”
UPDATE 8.45am: The emergency warning for Baynton East has been downgraded, but is still in place for Benloch and Pastoria East.
The watch and act message is still in place for Baynton, Emu Flat and Nulla Vale.
UPDATE 8.25am: The CFA has issued an updated emergency warning for Benloch, Pastoria East, Baynton East.
The fire is now travelling in a north/north-westerly direction from Burke & Wills Track towards Youngs Road, Frosts Road and Nicholls Lane.
If you are in the area, you are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
The fire is still impacting Kitchenhams Road between Frosts Road and Feeneys Road / Malones Road.
The major roads in the area remain closed and will not be reopened until they have been assessed during the day.
EARLIER: One person is unaccounted for and one home has been lost as a 3000-hectare fire still burns near Lancefield.
The fast moving, out-of-control fire is travelling in a northerly direction from Burke & Wills Track towards Youngs Road, Frosts Road and Nicholls Lane.
There is an emergency warning in place for Benloch, Pastoria East, Baynton East – you are in danger, act now to protect yourself. It is too late to leave. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately.
There is a watch and act message in place for Baynton, Nulla Vale and Emu Flat – don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly. Emergency Services may not be able to help you.
The fire is currently impacting Kitchenhams Road between Frosts Road and Feeneys Road / Malones Road.
CFA incident controller Greg Murphy told 3AW there were about 200 houses within the fire area.
“Unfortunately we've had one confirmed loss and there's a possibility that might increase today when we get daylight," he told radio station 3AW.
A CFA spokesperson said there was one unaccounted person who had been disconnected from their family.
Firefighters worked through the night battling the blaze with 50 resources currently fighting the fire and 11 aircraft helping across the state.
Three Chain Road between Mooneys Lane and Baynton Road is closed due to falling trees.
A community meeting will be held today, Wednesday, October 7, at 2pm at The Lancefield Mechanics Institute, The Crescent, Lancefield.
A relief centre has been set up at the Gisborne Community Centre in Hamilton Street, Gisborne.
CFA crews were called to more than 160 fires across the state yesterday.
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said yesterday 190 properties were at risk from the Lancefield fire, with residents urged to leave.
Mr Lapsley says the Lancefield fire was set last Wednesday by the Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning on public land.
It jumped containment lines in hot, blustery conditions on Saturday and yesterday, dry heat and strong winds caused it to rapidly burn out-of-control, forcing evacuations as it neared property.
An emergency warning was issued at 2pm, after the blaze jumped the Three Chain Road and raced towards Lancefield. The south-westerly wind change about 4pm pushed the fire in a north-easterly direction towards Benloch and Nulla Vale.
Non-profit farm sanctuary Edgar's Mission was under threat before the wind change, with fire burning on the nearby Bridies Lane.
“We are safe for now as the wind has moved the fire north east but the fire is still out of control! Our thoughts go out to everyone in that direction, all the wildlife and the courageous CFA volunteers trying to put it out!,” the sanctuary posted to its Facebook page.
An afternoon wind change is believed to have saved the Lancefield home of Adam Watkins and partner Prue Mathiesen.
Their 100-acre rental property is surrounded by a section of the Cobaw State Forest which was ravaged by the fire on Tuesday.
At one point the blaze had taken hold of their veranda and was slowly crawling up nearby trees.
"The wind was going a million miles an hour," said Ms Mathiesen.
"You just thought 'where do I start?'"
Mr Watkins said he was about to flee the area – having packed up the dogs and doused them in water – before the wind mercifully changed direction.
Two choppers also hammered away at the fire and a crew from the Carlsruhe CFA arrived to help.
"It was very very bad," said Mr Watkins.
"The fire was coming across the house. The only thing that saved it was the wind direction."
At around 8pm, small fires were still licking at the property. Ms Mathiesen said they would be sleeping in shifts as the night wore on, keeping an anxious eye for spot fires.
Mr Lapsley said the early start to the bushfire season would test emergency services but assured Victorians that fire authorities were prepared.
- with The Age