Victorian bushfires: Three homes lost, more under threat as 500 firefighters battle large blaze near Ballarat
A bushfire west of Ballarat in Victoria has claimed three homes and more could follow as firefighters spend another day battling the blaze.
The number of homes lost to a major bushfire in western Victoria has risen to three as firefighters try to stop its spread.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) confirmed on Saturday that the fire west of Ballarat, which is covering more than 15 hectares, has also claimed sheds and other outbuildings.
The CFA said the fire is moving north toward Elmhurst and Amphitheater. These suburbs are located approximately 70 km northwest of Ballarat.
The expected high temperature for Elmhurst on Saturday is 28 degrees Celsius.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) confirmed on Saturday that the fire west of Ballarat, which is covering more than 15 hectares, has also claimed sheds and other outbuildings.
People from surrounding areas were asked to leave their homes immediately earlier this week. They have been asked not to return until the CFA says it is safe to do so.
These suburbs include Avoca, Bayindeen, Chute, Elmhurst, Mount Lonarch and surrounds, Main Lead, Raglan, Middle Creek, Waterloo, Glenlofty, Glenpatrick, Glenshee, Green Hill Creek, Nowhere Creek, Amphitheatre, Crowlands, Eversley, Landsborough, Percydale and Warrenmang .
About 500 firefighters are expected to attend the blaze on Saturday, along with water bombers.
Assessment teams are investigating the damage, but can only do this once the areas are safe to enter.
Road closures have been put in place to prevent motorists from entering the fire station. These include the Pyrenees Highway, Beaufort-Lexton Rd, Lexton-Ararat Rd and Main Lead Rd.
About 500 firefighters are expected to attend the blaze on Saturday, along with water bombers
Conditions are expected to decrease Saturday through Monday, but warm up again on Tuesday.
Wednesday is described as a potential peak day as the mercury will rise above 40 degrees Celsius again.
Six schools were closed or moved on Friday and 1,365 electricity customers were without electricity.
Nearly 60 hospital patients and residents of retirement homes near the fire have been transferred to other facilities.
Evacuees have been referred to shelters in Ararat, Maryborough and Wendouree in Ballarat.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The CFA said the fire is moving north toward Elmhurst and Amphitheater. These suburbs are located approximately 70 km northwest of Ballarat