Residents told to take shelter as bushfire in rural Victoria reaches emergency level
Updated . First published at
Emergency bushfire warnings are in place overnight for an out-of-control bushfire burning in south-west Victoria.
The Carlisle River in Gellibrand fire is heading south from the intersection of Carlisle River Road and Walls-Skinner Track.
Authorities are asking residents to take shelter as firefighters try to control the bushfire.
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An emergency bushfire warning has been issued for a blaze burning in south-west Victoria. Nine
The emergency warnings apply to residents in Barongarook, Barongarook West, Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Gellibrand, Gerangamete, Irrewillipe, Kawarren, Lovat and Wimba.
"This fire is threatening homes and lives," Vic Emergency said in a warning.
"It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
"The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave."
Authorities urged residents to stay up-to-date with the latest information and follow the directions of emergency services as the weather keeps things unpredictable.
"The wind change is moving through at the moment and that will push this fire towards Barongarook," chief fire officer Chris Hardman said.
"This fire is likely to continue to move through the night."
Aircraft and emergency response crews will be operating in the area tonight.
There's also been an emergency warning issued this afternoon for residents in multiple communities to leave immediately.
This includes Barongarook West, Carlisle River, Gellibrand, Irrewillipe and Irrewillipe East.
A total fire ban is in place today for East Gippsland, West and South Gippsland, North East, Central, North Central, Northern Country, South West, Wimmera and Mallee.
The fire comes as Victorians swelter through the first day of what is expected to be a five or six day heatwave.
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