Weather conditions to ‘challenge’ fire brigade lines to the west of Daylesford

Residents within 100 meters from a Bushfire that got out of hand in Central Victoria say that they are “very, very nervous” that they lose their houses, with weather conditions that are expected to deteriorate on Sunday afternoon.

Forest Fire Management Victoria says that there is no threat to property, in which more than 250 firefighters have been used to control the fire.

Fire authorities confirmed that they have lost control of a planned 200 hectare burn near the old Tom-Spoor in the regional park of Hepburn, southwest of Daylesford on Friday, which has now grown to almost 300 hectares.

There is a watch and action warning for communities southwest of Daylesford, including Sailors Hill, Sailors Falls and Musk Vale.

Local resident Tracey Petrie said she was in the last phases of building a house in Musk Vale and without a water connection she could “do nothing” to protect the building.

“Most of my neighbors made their gardens water all day last night, and they packed their bags,” said Mrs. Petrie.

“Unfortunately, my property does not contain any water tanks because they don’t arrive for another two weeks.”

She said that her property was flooded by ash and smoke, and there was little that she could do to prevent spot fires.

“I can’t be looking for spot fires or moisten my house because I don’t have access to water,” said Mrs. Petrie.

“Everyone is nervous because it is nature. The wind can shift at every stage, and that is what we are worried about.”

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said that communities were advised to stay in high way when the weather changed.

“While we are going this afternoon, the humidity drops and the wind is falling, so that will really challenge the inclusion lines that firefighters have built,” said Mr. Hardman.

There will be an independent investigation into the planned burn.