Central Victoria residents warned bushfire conditions may worsen
Central Victoria residents have been warned to monitor conditions as bushfires burn out of control near the Goulburn Valley Highway at Trawool.
The Country Fire Authority has warned that the bushfire is slowly moving east towards Kerrisdale, but the situation could change at any time with high winds expected to hit the area on Tuesday evening.
“You must monitor the conditions and be prepared to take action,” a CFA spokesman said.
“The threat has decreased, but the situation can change at any time.”
Country Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan told 9 News the bushfire started quickly and burned nearly 100 hectares as it continued to advance.
“We expect the frontal system to come into play in the next few hours and a drastic change will impact the fire area, pushing it further east,” he said.
“There is already property along the path of this fire, and after the change, there will be more private property as the fire changes direction.”
Mr Heffernan was expecting further emergency warnings as the frontal system moved across Victoria, with conditions peaking between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday.
“That’s when we’ll see much of the change that affects the fireground at Trawool happen,” he said.
“They should potentially see winds of up to 55 to 60 kilometers per hour.
“This will be a concern as the frontal system progresses.”
A Watch and Act alert is already in place for residents in Kerrisdale, Reedy Creek, Strath Creek and Tallarook.
“Monitor varies by situation,” the warning read.
“Increasing wind speed, changing wind direction, smoke or decreased visibility may indicate that the situation has changed.
“Implement your fire recovery plan.
“If the situation changes or you feel unsafe, leave.”
Many roads in the region were closed to traffic while firefighters intervened in the fire.
