East Gippsland residents were dealt a stark reminder of the Black Summer Bushfires late last week, as a blistering heatwave and lightning strikes sparked multiple out-of-control blazes across the region.
With the entire state placed under a Total Fire Ban on Friday, January 9, and temperatures soaring into the 40s, emergency services were kept busy responding to incidents near Bellbird Creek, Mallacoota and Orbost.
The Total Fire Ban was also in place for the state on Saturday, January 10, and Premier Jacinta Allan declared a State of Disaster for 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including East Gippsland Shire.
The situation was most critical near Bellbird Creek and Club Terrace, where a ‘Watch and Act’ message was issued on Friday.
Forest Fire Management Victoria warned that a bushfire at Whittinghams Access Road was travelling in a southerly direction.
Under the extreme conditions, authorities advised the fire could become “very dangerous and unpredictable,” with fears it would impact the Princes Highway.
Firefighters and heavy machinery were deployed to the scene to battle the flames.
Mallacoota and Genoa
In the far east, the coastline glowed orange on Thursday night after a lightning strike ignited a fire across the lake from Mallacoota at approximately 8pm.
By Friday, an Advice message was issued for Genoa, Gipsy Point, Karbethong, Lake View, Mallacoota, Maramingo Creek, Timbillica, and Wallagaraugh.
Fires at Lake Barracoota and north of Genoa remained out of control.
While authorities stated there was no immediate threat to homes, fire suppression aircraft were active in the area, and ground crews were tracking into the fire north of Genoa.
Orbost and surrounds
Lightning also ignited multiple fires north of Orbost near the Knob Track.
An Advice message was issued for a wide area including Bete Bolong, Brodribb River, Corringle, Jarrahmond, Marlo, and Newmerella.
Smoke was visible from Orbost and surrounding communities as firefighters and aircraft responded.
Stay vigilant
While the peak of Friday’s heat has passed, authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant. Residents are advised to:
– Monitor weather conditions and warnings via the VicEmergency app or website.
– Check the VicTraffic website for road closures.
– Review their fire survival plans.
