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More than 1,000 firefighters are working to contain a large bushfire burning through western Victoria as hot conditions settle across New South Wales.
Loss of homes has been reported as reinforcements begin to arrive to reinforce firefighters battling a large bushfire in western Victoria.
Thousands of residents in nearly 30 communities near Ballarat have been told to “leave now”, and emergency warnings and watch and act alerts have been issued.
Residents of dozens of communities near Ballarat have been asked to leave for their safety. (BEAUFORT PARK BACKGROUND/CAFE)
About 1,000 firefighters have been battling the blaze, including those operating 15 water pump planes.
Victoria Fire Authority Chief Jason Heffernan said fire conditions were expected to ease overnight, but they did not, and the fire moved north towards Elmhurst.
“Unfortunately, we are receiving early reports of some home losses as well as multiple sheds,” he told ABC TV early on Friday, with livestock losses also expected.
Elmhurst residents had been ordered to evacuate and firefighters were taking positions to protect the township, with strong southerly winds expected to fan the fire, Heffernan said.
“I expect fire conditions to remain reasonably volatile today,” he said.
More firefighters are expected to arrive to fight the fire on Friday and over the weekend.
“We are doing everything we can to try to contain the fire in the run-up to the forecast high fire day next Wednesday,” Mr Heffernan said.
The large bushfire forced the closure of the Great Western Highway between the major cities of Ballarat and Ararat, as well as a train line and bus routes in the area.
Friday’s goal was to open the Great Western Highway, but the Pyrenees Highway was due to close because of the fire, Heffernan said.
Predicted fire danger rating and total fire bans on Thursday
Prisoners with health problems that make them vulnerable to smoke have been moved to Langi Kal Kal prison, which is close to the fire.
Firefighters have also been battling bushfires in parts of Tasmania, with a watch and action alert issued for the community of Dee and surrounding areas about a fire in the remote Central Highlands, and residents being told to They prepare to leave.
A high fire danger alert has been issued for parts of central and southwestern New South Wales, as well as the Greater Hunter region.
Warm conditions on Friday are likely to be focused on northern and eastern New South Wales, according to Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Dean Narramore.
He said the mercury was expected to reach between 30 and 30 degrees in Sydney ahead of widespread thunderstorm activity and a cool change in the evening.
A heatwave warning is in effect for the Pilbara, the Inner North and Inner South districts and the Gascoyne regions of Western Australia.