A watch-and-act is in place for Crowes, Johanna Heights, Wangerrip, Yuulong and Graham Junction in south-west Victoria, related to a bushfire at Lavers Hill-Cobden Road at Chapple Vale that is not yet under control. That blaze could impact the Great Ocean Road between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
The fire is moving south from Lavers Hill-Cobden Rd, Chapple Vale, towards Yuulong.
A watch-and-act warning issued earlier on Saturday afternoon for Gellibrand in Victoria’s south-west remained in place about 5pm, with residents urged to leave the area immediately.
A bushfire at Railway Line Road, Kawarren – north of Gellibrand, an Otway Ranges town of some 230 people about 22 kilometres south of Colac – was moving south towards Frys Road, and urged people in Gellibrand to leave via Colac-Lavers Hill Road.
State Control Centre spokesman Luke Heagerty said a number of grass and scrub fires started over the course of the afternoon, mainly in the west of the state.
“Anyone in the warning area should leave now and take care when travelling as there could be smoke in the air, and emergency vehicles are also travelling through the area,” he said.
The CFA last week updated its warnings for the west and south-west of the state, warning of heightened bushfire risks this season. Drier-than-average conditions over winter leaving a build-up of dead and dry vegetation fuel across Victoria.
Earlier Saturday, a total fire ban was declared for the Wimmera and Mallee regions in Victoria’s north-west. Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 38 degrees, with hot and dry conditions forecast.
The ban, which applies to regional centres Mildura, Swan Hill and Horsham, means that lighting open fires is not permitted until Sunday.
“We are asking residents and workers in fire-prone areas, especially near forested regions, to be mindful of the elevated fire risk tomorrow,” said Jason Heffernan, chief officer of the Country Fire Authority.
“Conditions will create a challenging environment for firefighters and increase the likelihood of rapid fire spread.”
The ban will remain in place until 11.59pm Saturday. A cool change is expected to reduce temperatures in the evening.
The CFA has issued a total fire ban for the Wimmera region on Sunday, warning that winds of 60-70kmh are expected to continue.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said strong winds of up to 70kmh on Sunday could exacerbate the fires not yet under control.
“There have been many escaped burns today and a significant fire in Casteron-Edenhope Road, Kadnook that is not yet under control,” Heffernan said
“We anticipate the fires to get much worse and will monitor conditions overnight.
“With strong winds expected to continue declaring a [total fire ban] for Sunday remains the best option to ensure we reduce the risk and give firefighters the best chance with these challenging conditions.”
Meanwhile, in Victoria’s north-east, severe weather warnings have also been issued for rainfall and damaging winds.
There is a cold front moving across the Gippsland area on Saturday night that will lead to a high risk of flash flooding on Sunday morning, according to the weather bureau.
The bureau recommends that people take care on roads, stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel.
Seymour, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Bright are all expected to be impacted.
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