Emergency Bushfire Threatens Pyrenees Ranges: Residents Urged to Evacuate:
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Emergency services in Victoria have issued urgent warnings to residents in the Pyrenees Ranges area as a bushfire continues to rage near Beaufort. With a wind change exacerbating the situation, authorities are urging vigilance into the night.
As of 11 pm on Thursday, multiple areas are under various levels of alert:
- Emergency Warning (Leave Immediately): Residents of Ballyrogan, Bayindeen, Beaufort, and several other nearby areas are urged to evacuate as the fire remains active in their vicinity.
- Watch and Act (Leave Now): Residents of Addington, Brewster, Burrumbeet, and other areas are advised to leave immediately as the fire poses a significant threat.
The Country Fire Authority’s chief officer, Jason Heffernan, emphasized the danger to key towns in the path of the fire. Lexton, Amphitheatre, Addington, and Burrumbeet are particularly at risk due to the fire’s progression.
Challenges for firefighters persist due to wind gusts reaching up to 50 km/h, hindering containment efforts. However, there is some relief in the form of decreasing wind speeds, providing a slight reprieve for emergency crews.
The bushfire, which broke out in Mount Buangor State Park earlier in the day, has now expanded to approximately 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres). Over 1,000 firefighting personnel are on the ground, working tirelessly to control the blaze.
Two words ‘Thank You’ ! to all emergency service personnel on the fire line today and tonight. It’s not over by far as many are putting their lives at risk as I type, to fight for Beaufort, Lexton, Raglan and surrounding communities. pic.twitter.com/4aqKEMVphX
— CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan (@CFAChiefOfficer) February 22, 2024
Residents are urged to heed evacuation orders and seek shelter at designated relief centers, including CE Brown Reserve in Wendouree and Alexander Oval Community Center in Ararat. Road closures, including sections of major highways, are in effect, with the potential for further closures depending on fire activity.
Smoke from the fires presents additional hazards, potentially causing respiratory issues and reduced visibility on roads. Vulnerable individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions, are advised to take precautions and avoid exposure to smoke.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring developments and issuing updates as necessary. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow instructions from emergency services.
As the bushfire continues to pose a threat to communities in the Pyrenees Ranges, the collective effort of emergency responders and the cooperation of residents are crucial in mitigating the impact of this ongoing crisis.
The Pyrenees Ranges region in Victoria, Australia, is currently under threat from a rapidly spreading bushfire near the town of Beaufort. Emergency services have issued urgent warnings to residents as the fire continues to grow, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.
As of late Thursday evening, multiple areas are under significant risk, with emergency evacuation orders in place for communities including Ballyrogan, Bayindeen, Beaufort, and others. Additionally, residents of surrounding areas are advised to leave immediately as the fire poses an imminent threat to their safety.
The fire, which ignited in Mount Buangor State Park earlier in the day, has expanded to cover approximately 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres). Over 1,000 firefighting personnel are on the ground, battling the blaze and working to protect homes and infrastructure.
Challenges for firefighters persist due to wind gusts of up to 50 km/h, which are hampering containment efforts and causing the fire to spread in a southeasterly direction. Despite this, there is some relief as wind speeds are beginning to decrease, providing a brief window for emergency crews to gain control.
Residents are urged to heed evacuation orders and seek shelter at designated relief centers established in Wendouree and Ararat. Road closures, including sections of major highways, are in effect to ensure the safety of both residents and emergency responders.
Smoke from the fires presents additional hazards, potentially causing respiratory issues and reducing visibility on roads. Vulnerable individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions, are advised to take precautions and avoid exposure to smoke.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring developments and issuing updates as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to follow instructions from emergency services to ensure their safety.
As the bushfire continues to pose a threat to communities in the Pyrenees Ranges, the concerted efforts of emergency responders and the cooperation of residents are paramount in mitigating the impact of this ongoing crisis.
