Ben McArthur and Stefan Bradley
A MAJOR fire in Briagolong claimed one home and 5000 hectares, with over 60 grassfires and bushfires being burnt statewide over the weekend.
The CFA suspects two fires began in Briagolong over the long weekend on private property. The fires were made stronger due to the hotter and strong temperature on Sunday in 30s and the wind gusts of up to 90km/h sometime between 3pm and 6pm.
Photo: Valencia Creek CFA Facebook
There are hundreds of Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) and CFA personnel dispatched in Gippsland from around the state to battle the fires overnight.
The operations are being supported by 15 aircrafts.
Fire danger ratings are extreme in the Mallee region and under a total fire ban.
Strong rains are expected tomorrow, up to 25 to 80 mm with a chance of flooding. Some areas could see a months worth of rain.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye told the ABC that the region was unprepared.
“We’re only [in] October. It’s a bit early to have fires so I don’t think anyone was prepared for this to happen so early in the season,” he said.
A Heyfield Incident Control Centre spokesperson advised residents in the region to be aware.
Photo: Valencia Creek CFA Facebook
“The weather conditions are very dry and the fires are still very active so keep informed,” they said.
As of Monday morning, there was no current warnings to evacuate, but a CFA spokesperson said the current advice for the Gippsland region is to stay notified.
“Install the Victorian emergency app, information is also available on the website ad always refer to multiple sources, across the radio, news and TV so you are completely across events as they unfold.”
There were also fires in Heyfield on Saturday, with an evacuation warning downgraded to advice.
Fires in Loch Sport on Sunday were also downgraded to advice.
