12 major fires still alight as calmer weather aids fire fight
A dozen major fires are still burning in Victoria and some residents remain far from their hometowns while the full extent of last week’s catastrophic bushfires is yet to be determined.
More than 400,000 hectares of bush, farmland and residential areas were destroyed in the fires, which destroyed 350 structures, including dozens of homes, and claimed the life of a cattle farmer.
The calming weather has brought some relief to the state and there are currently no emergency alerts in effect. Twenty “watch and act” advisory messages remain in fire zones; Some of these urge people to monitor changing conditions, while others warn residents that it is not safe to return to their homes.
A high fire danger rating has been declared for the Mallee, Wimmera, North Central, North East and South West regions, while other areas are considered to be at medium risk.
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines said temperatures and wind speeds “were not particularly high,” which was good news for firefighters, but added that the lack of a rain forecast was a pain.
“It’s another dry day so there’s no support or help from the rain, which is the No. 1 thing we’re expecting from active fire areas at the moment,” he told the ABC.
The Longwood fire, the most destructive, was still out of control, but locals were allowed to return to their homes and assess the damage. Local cattle farmer Maxwell Hobson died when a fire engulfed him while he was driving near Gobur, between Yarck and Merton.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened his press conference on Tuesday morning by expressing his condolences over Hobson’s death.
“This community will mourn today and I say to people in Victoria, but also to people in the flood-affected areas of North Queensland: this is not over,” Albanese said.
“Please stay safe, listen to the authorities and once again I would like to thank the volunteers, police, emergency services, rural fire brigade and others who are helping each other get through this very difficult time.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas will make an announcement in the fire-affected town of Alexandra from 11am on Tuesday.
On Monday, the prime minister announced grants of up to $52,000 would be available to uninsured homeowners who lost their homes in the fires. By Monday afternoon, 440 hardship payments of up to $1,000 per adult and $400 per child had been issued.
Speaking alongside Allan on Monday, CFA chief Jason Heffernan said dangerous fire conditions were easing but warned potentially dangerous days were ahead.
“I can see that another warming event is likely towards the end of January, which has not yet been identified, but I think it’s indicative of a lot of fire in the area,” he said.
“There will be a lot of work between now and then to get these fires under control.”
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Angus Delaney is a reporter for The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at angusdelaney.31.Connect via email.
