Homes Feared Lost in Large Bushfire in Victoria’s West

Published on February 22, 2024

Homes have been reported lost as reinforcements start arriving to bolster firefighters battling a large bushfire in western Victoria. Thousands of residents from more than 30 communities near Ballarat have been told to “leave now,” with emergency warnings and a watch-and-act alert issued. About 1000 firefighters have been battling the blaze including those operating water bombing aircraft. Firefighters hoped conditions would abate overnight but they did not, with the blaze moving northeasterly towards Avoca on Friday morning, Feb. 23. The fire had burned through more than 11,000 hectares and spotfires from embers were starting ahead of its main front, a State Control Centre spokeswoman said....

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