Duizenden hectaren staan in brand, huizen zijn verwoest 

Camperdown, Cobden, Timboon and Terang zijn het zwaarst getroffen. 

Major wildfires rage in Australia, killing cattle and destroying homes

Bush and grass fires rage in Australia's state of Victoria on Sunday, March 18, 2018, as hot and blustery conditions continue affecting the region. The fires are expected to get larger in size before firefighters place them under control.

Dozens of fires in Victoria's west and southwest that started on March 17 destroyed several homes, killed cattle and burnt large swathes of land on Sunday, March 18. Two of the bigger fires at Colac in western Victoria measuring 3 000 hectares (7 400 acres) and 6 500 hectares (16 000 acres) were being blown east from the wind changes.

The worst-hit areas on Saturday afternoon were around Camperdown, Cobden, Timboon and Terang.

Local media reported 7-meter-high (23 feet) flames lit the night sky, exploding the Terang substation, 'while downed power lines and strong winds sent fire racing through a Camperdown mother’s house as her family ran for their lives with only the clothes on their backs.' 

There are fears entire dairy herds have been lost in the Terang and Cobden areas, while farmers are scrambling to find generators or walking their cows to neighboring farms so they can be milked.

Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said Sunday some 12 homes were impacted, 40 000 hectares (100 000 acres) of land burned and hundreds of beef and dairy cattle will be lost as a result of these fires.

"We've got fires, major fires, running. They will get larger in size before we get control of them," he added, as the weather bureau predicted peak gusts of up to 110 km/h (70 mph).

There were no significant injuries and no deaths in a very dynamic environment, Lapsley said. "I would say local communities have done exceptionally well."

We know there's a significant number of properties that the fire has impacted," La told ABC.

The corporation added that residents living near one of the worst-hit areas, the small town of Terang some 200 kilometers (124 miles) southwest of Melbourne, were told by authorities it was 'too late to leave' and they must 'take shelter indoors immediately'.

"This has been a difficult weekend with both hot and windy conditions," Deputy Premier James Merlino said, adding that this is the biggest fire event of the season. "There are sheds, machinery and unfortunately a large number of livestock affected by the fires beyond the 10 to 12 homes. Hundreds of beef and dairy cattle will be lost as a result of these fires."
Bron: https://watchers.news 


 

Bushfire at Lake Gnotuk ???? in Camperdown last night. Stay safe out there in the dangerous conditions today everyone! ☹️

Photo by Oat Vaiyaboon as posted on @theage #Bushfire #vicfires #weather #victoria #volcano pic.twitter.com/EwUg8pszaM

— Rockodile Boyce (@volcanojulie) 18 maart 2018

This video, shot from the lookout at Camperdown caravan park, gives you an idea of what firefighters are battling.
All updates via @theheraldsun here: https://t.co/3RQTIj87Cc pic.twitter.com/q4OujxTfNC

— Monique Hore (@moniquehore) 17 maart 2018

Shocking footage of the blaze at Terang substation, where hay bales are alight @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/RSvzCDNjYs

— Monique Hore (@moniquehore) 17 maart 2018

We have reports a house + golf club have been destroyed. A relief centre has opened in Warrnambool as residents flee. Fireys hold fears fire fronts in Terang + Camperdown will join, creating mega blaze. Stay safe. Updates here > https://t.co/3fayyILeJs… @theheraldsun #vicfires pic.twitter.com/CE2sqUG9Fr

— Aneeka Simonis (@AneekaSimonis) 17 maart 2018

Families in fire-affected areas have begun returning to their homes to assess the damage of a devastating firestorm, as firefighters battle into a third day: https://t.co/6LL7IRXZAj pic.twitter.com/E9pM9x6oWq

— Herald Sun (@theheraldsun) 19 maart 2018

With fires in the South West of the state there are a number of road closures.
Please check the @VicRoads website for the latest information and avoid the area where possible. https://t.co/wzAj3eKu8n

For emergency information visit: https://t.co/yGS36MUn3S pic.twitter.com/pYLBi2aWtR

— ForestFireManagement (@FFMVic) 17 maart 2018

UPDATE: Westerly wind change expected to hit at 6am. CFA warn change has potential to create "very large" fire fronts and put towns in direct path of danger. Stay safe, keep informed #vicfires Latest @theheraldsun https://t.co/3fayyILeJs… pic.twitter.com/3m2XbKLblf

— Aneeka Simonis (@AneekaSimonis) 17 maart 2018

Wind change could put Victorian towns in direct line of fire >> https://t.co/2NL1cgRGnp pic.twitter.com/ZNdED7ltAi

— Herald Sun (@theheraldsun) 17 maart 2018