By Jessica Micallef
Residents in the regional area of Benloch in the Macedon Ranges have been told to shelter indoors immediately due to an out-of-control bushfire.
An emergency warning was issued about the bushfire, which is burning along Kitchenhams Road in Benloch and travelling in an easterly direction, just after 2pm.
“This fire is threatening homes and lives,” the VicEmergency warning reads.
“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.”
Five water-bombing aircrafts are en route to the scene.
More than 10 fire trucks are already battling the blaze and another 17 on the way.
There was a total fire ban across the state on Tuesday as Victoria swelters through a heatwave.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Michael Efron said it was 40 degrees at the Kilmore Gap weather station at 2.30pm, with moderate westerly and north-westerly winds.
“There is quite a difference in conditions from Melbourne out towards the north. We have the sea breeze, but in the north they are under the influence of west and north-west, dry winds,” Mr Efron said.
“Looking at the conditions for the rest of the day, we will see southerly winds starting to push up into that part of the state during the late afternoon and into the evening, so there will be a decrease in temperature later into the evening.”
The Age.
