Checking in on the bushfires in Victoria, and the local mayor of Colac-Otway Shire has just been on the ABC sharing what he knows about the damage done to the town of Gellibrand in the Carlisle River fire.
“The reports I’ve been briefed on is that there are potentially eight residential homes [burned] and the other structures are sheds and some of Barwon Water’s assets,” said Jason Schram.
The aftermath of the Carlisle River bushfire in Gellibrand.The Age
Earlier today we reported that the water treatment plant in Gellibrand was burned in the fire, forcing residents to wait for water to be carted in for non-drinking activities like showering and flushing toilets.
We also know that 16 structures have been damaged in the fires all together. The last update before this one was that three homes had been destroyed.
Residents of Gellibrand, Barongarook, Carlisle River, Charleys Creek, Kawarren, Lovat and Wimba were told it is still not safe return, with trees and debris blocking roads and creating hazards.
Premier Jacinta Allan.Wayne Taylor
While milder weather is helping firefighters gain the upper hand, Premier Jacinta Allan warned extreme heat was forecast to linger in northern parts of Victoria through to Saturday.
“This summer is far from over,” Allan told reporters on Thursday.
“We have many, many weeks of summer ahead of us.”
Crews continue to work around the region identifying areas where control lines can be put in during favourable weather conditions.
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Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the risk of a flare-up on fire grounds remains.
“There is still a chance that this fire could run again within the next two or three weeks because of the nature of the season,” he said.
“It’s so dry, you know. If we get some really good rainfall, that will be incredibly helpful, and that will build our confidence.”
Six major fires continue to burn across the state, including other out of control blazes at Walwa in Victoria’s north and Dargo in Gippsland.
Coastal areas of the state were experiencing cooler conditions on Thursday, with temperatures hovering in the low to mid 20s.
But there was no respite for inland areas as Albury (41 degrees), Swan Hill (43) and Mildura (45) head for highs in the 40s.
With AAP