Fierce bushfires force wedding party to ‘shelter’ in stable

Dozens of wedding guests were reportedly forced to seek refuge in a farm stable as bushfires tore through Victoria’s west last night.

Ellie Moyle was hosting her friend’s wedding in Gazette, southeast of Hamilton, when the fire began to approach, according to ABC News.

The bride and groom, along with more than 100 guests, raced to the safety of a large brick stable as the blaze ravaged the property.

Related: Homes destroyed as blazes ravage the southwest

“It was very touch and go,” Ms Moyle told the ABC.

Her brother’s home was destroyed, along with a pair of sheds, but Ms Moyle said it “could’ve been a lot worse”.

Skies across the state’s southwest were illuminated by flames last night, with photographers capturing horizons of eerie red.

At least 12 properties have been incinerated by the fire so far, with authorities warning the blazes could continue into tonight as a result of strong winds.